Anxious?

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD … he will be like a tree planted by the water … and does not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green … it will not be anxious in a year of drought.”—Jeremiah 17:7–8 NASB

Born in 1842, Nils Frykman gave his life to Christ at an early age. But he felt compelled to make a deeper commitment when revivals swept through Sweden during the latter 1800s. In 1883, he left his school teaching appointment and dedicated the rest of his life to full-time ministry, preaching, and writing hymns.

One afternoon, Frykman was on his way to preach when he became “overwhelmed by despair, both over my own and other people’s sins.” He threw himself to the ground and “cried like a spanked child. Oh, how I prayed, and how the tears flowed!”

Gradually, as he grappled with sin, he became overwhelmed by God’s grace. The burdens lifted, and he felt His peace. It was such an overwhelming moment that he wrote a hymn to capture the wonder of his discovery. He called the hymn “Why Should I Be Anxious?”

Frykman remembered, “I have such a friend, who bears in His heart all my woe; this friend is the Savior, on Him I depend—His love is eternal I know.” Frykman realized he had no reason to worry or fear as long as he trusted God.

You don’t have to be anxious about world conditions or problems you face! You don’t have to live in fear. Remember, Jesus is your Friend. God still is sovereign over all the earth. He has promised to protect you, provide for you, and make you fruitful! Trust in Him!

Reflection Question: How are you making sure your soul is well watered this week?