Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Fretful Against the Lord

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◄ Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Fretful Against the Lord ►

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The unrenewed heart, in its natural state, often exhibits a disposition that is fretful against the Lord. This characteristic is marked by a tendency to question, doubt, and resist the divine will and purposes of God. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into this aspect of human nature, revealing the underlying causes and manifestations of such fretfulness.

Biblical Instances and Descriptions

1. Israel's Wilderness Complaints: One of the most vivid examples of a fretful heart is found in the narrative of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, they frequently grumbled against Him. In Exodus 16:2-3 , it is recorded, "And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 'If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt,' they said. 'There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death.'"

2. Job's Struggle: Although Job is ultimately vindicated for his faith, his initial responses to his suffering reveal a struggle with fretfulness. In Job 3:1 , it is written, "After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth." Job's lamentations reflect the inner turmoil and questioning that can arise in the unrenewed heart when faced with inexplicable suffering.

3. Jonah's Anger: The prophet Jonah provides another example of a fretful heart. After God spares Nineveh, Jonah becomes angry and resentful. Jonah 4:1-3 states, "But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. So he prayed to the LORD, 'O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I was so quick to flee toward Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—One who relents from sending disaster.'"

Causes of Fretfulness

1. Lack of Trust in God's Sovereignty: A primary cause of fretfulness is a lack of trust in God's sovereign plan. The unrenewed heart struggles to comprehend and accept that God's ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

2. Pride and Self-Centeredness: Pride often fuels a fretful spirit, as individuals place their desires and understanding above God's will. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

3. Fear and Anxiety: The unrenewed heart is prone to fear and anxiety, leading to fretfulness. Philippians 4:6 advises, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Manifestations of Fretfulness

1. Complaining and Grumbling: As seen in the Israelites' journey, complaining is a common manifestation of a fretful heart. It reflects dissatisfaction with God's provision and timing.

2. Anger and Resentment: Like Jonah, a fretful heart may become angry when God's actions do not align with personal expectations or desires.

3. Despair and Hopelessness: When faced with trials, the unrenewed heart may fall into despair, questioning God's goodness and purpose.

Scriptural Admonitions

The Bible consistently admonishes believers to guard against a fretful heart. Psalm 37:1 instructs, "Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong." Instead, believers are encouraged to trust in the Lord and commit their ways to Him (Psalm 37:5).

In summary, the character of the unrenewed heart is often marked by fretfulness against the Lord, stemming from a lack of trust, pride, and fear. The Scriptures provide both examples and admonitions to guide believers away from such a disposition, urging them to place their faith and trust in God's sovereign and benevolent will.