Brother, I agree with you about "not fretting" and the verses you gave. I haven't fretted over this in a couple decades, because I know how it's gonna go and end. That brings me JOY unspeakable.
Psa 118:9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
Psa 146:3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
About watching current events - 1Ch 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do ...
My only interest, as I've said is where these things pertain to Eschatology, which we're commanded to "watch".
That doesn't nullify the verses you gave at all.
But some folks could use Phil. 4:8 and others like it that and I've seen this happen - to throw out eschatology on the basis that it's not seemingly "lovely or a good report", etc..
The Doctrine makes folks uncomfortable so they swing into other modes of a more pleasant kind, for them. Now 'that' IS fear.
There's 3 times as many prophecies regarding His Second Coming and what will precede it than there was for His first advent.
I know that you don't feel some Scriptures can cancel out other Scriptures. And believe that only Scripture can interpret Scripture. Thank God.
The only reason I love watching these times, is because I KNOW WHAT'S COMING AFTER them. :-D
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me/us a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me [u]at that day: and not to me only, but [b]unto all them also that LOVE HIS APPEARING.[/b][/u]
Stay watchful and know the signs HE said. 8-) I is - got my oil lamp filled with plenty more to last through the coming darkness until my/our Bridegroom cometh.
Imagine, that in 2000 years, God set us in the generation in which we were born. I can't find that verse right now ... but I love it.
I feel honored that He'd let me be born for such a time as this. That's an honor to all of us who love not their lives unto death.
Glory !!!
Psa 102:15 So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.
Psa 102:16 When the LORD shall build up Zion, HE SHALL APPEAR IN HIS GLORY.
Psa 102:17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.
Psa 102:18 [u]This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.[/u]
Psa 102:19 For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;
Psa 102:20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;
Psa 102:21 To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;
Psa 102:22 When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.
Psa 102:23 He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days.
Psa 102:24 I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations.
Psa 102:25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
Psa 102:26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
Psa 102:27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Psa 102:28 The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.
Love in Him.
Annie