In 1988, Bobby McFerrin released the catchy song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” It had many people singing along. After all, not only was it a hummable melody with a memorable whistling component, it offered a profound view on life. As a result, the song hit number one in the Billboard Top 100 in the fall of that year.
At the same time, its message is far from reality. To suggest that people just have to “be happy” for their troubles to disappear is hardly solid advice.
When Jesus instructs people not to worry, he offered helpful examples to emphasize his message (Luke 12:23-31). He pointed his followers to the character of God as the foundation to expel the need to worry. If God cares for the birds of the air or the flowers in the field, ensuring that they are looked after and have what they need to flourish, why would he not care for his children?
Jesus doesn’t promise that our troubles will disappear when we trust in him; nor does he offer happiness on earth. What he does offer is a relationship with our Heavenly Father who lovingly looks after his creation, providing for all of their needs according to his riches in glory. We never have to worry about that.
The next time worry begins to sneak up into your heart, remember that God is control and that he knows what is happening. He has a plan to protect you, release you, or see you through it.
Dear God, forgive me when I let worry take control instead of exercising my faith in your goodness, power, and mercy. Remind me of your love for me. Amen.
Go Deeper — What do you tend to worry about the most? Finances, relationships, illnesses, love ones? Use a [Bible concordance] (https://biblehub.com/concordance/) to find verses on that topic and write a few down. Put them in your wallet to read whenever worry begins to creep up on you.
Read Further — [Don’t Google your worries] (https://thelife.com/dont-google-your-worries).
Photo Credit: J L Magata