Mr. Fretwell

Published January 23, 2026

 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul……….” Psalm 23 NIV  

 Anxiety has a way of barging into our lives like an uninvited guest who knows exactly how to ruin a peaceful moment. I call him Mr. Fretwell because he frets about everything and makes sure you do too. Mr. Fretwell taps on your shoulder the moment you try to rest, whispering worries about tomorrow and replaying regrets from yesterday. He drains joy, hollows out hope, fills silence with noise, and turns stillness into tension. Mr. Fretwell never stops talking but there’s one thing Mr. Fretwell cannot stand: Psalm 23. The moment you speak it; he starts to lose his voice. Every line is a reminder that the Shepherd is near, and Mr. Fretwell has no authority where peace is present. 

When Mr. Fretwell is knocking at your door, read all of Psalm 23 till you can repeat it. The Lord is my shepherd – Fretwell grabs you up and drags you. He makes me lie down in green pastures – Fretwell keeps you pacing and convinces you there is no time to rest. He restores my soul – Fretwell hates restoration. Fretwell keeps you in the darkest valley. I will fear no evil – Fretwell feeds on fear. Your rod and staff comfort me – Fretwell has no power where comfort lives. The Shepherd prepares a table – Fretwell kicks the legs of the chair, questions the menu, and whispers that you don’t deserve a seat. My cup overflows – Fretwell chokes on abundance. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me – Fretwell can’t keep up with goodness and mercy. All the days of my life – Fretwell whispers “what life” I dwell in the house of the Lord – Fretwell doesn’t have the key to the Lord’s house. 

Psalm 23 exposes Mr. Fretwell for what he is; a loud liar standing in the shadow pretending to be something he is not. The Shepherd stands beside you, leading you, calming you, and covering you until Mr. Fretwell has no room left to speak. 

Reflect: Where has Mr. Fretwell been showing up in your life lately? What doors has he been knocking on, your peace, your sleep, your confidence, your sense of security? When was the last time you let the Shepherd’s voice speak louder than Fretwell’s whispers? Which verse of Psalm 23 do you need to hold onto today? 

Pray: Lord Jesus, help us to take a moment to slow down and breathe in Psalm 23. Let each line remind us that we are led, guarded, provided for, and deeply loved. Please, bring your presence to silence Mr. Fretwell’s lies. Glory be to the 3 in 1! AMEN 

Keep Praying, 

Lesley Henry 

PUMC Member