Don’t worry, be happy

Most of us baby boomers remember the song by Bobby McFerrin entitled “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” I love that song, but it’s not easy to live it. Worry seems to be a lifelong habit that was passed down to us from our moms, dads, or grandparents. I’ve even heard a family member say, “Don’t tell me not to worry. It’s a mother’s job to worry.” What? I didn’t know that worry was in the mother’s job description in the Bible. In fact, I recently read Luke 12:22: “Then Jesus said to His disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.’” (NIV)

Let’s take a moment to unwrap some verses dealing with worry:

1. Jesus said, “Don’t worry about your life.” Wow! That sounds like a pretty comprehensive exclusion. There is no wiggle room to add a worry or two. 
2. Worry will not add a single second to our lives: “‘Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?’” (Luke 12:25, NIV) Many mental health professionals seem to agree that worry takes years from our lives.
3. Worry is tied to anxiety: “‘Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” (Luke 12:26, NIV)  
4. Worry is tied to a lack of faith in God: “‘If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you—you of little faith!’” (Luke 12:28, NIV)

My mentor once told me to focus on the three things I can control with God’s help: my thoughts, feelings, and actions. And to not focus on the things I can’t control: the thoughts, feelings, and actions of others. Hallelujah! This one truth has saved me from worry and anxiety.

Would you make a declaration with me today? “I will not worry because God has my back. I believe by faith that He will work it all out for my good. I choose to get rid of all anxiety. I trust that God is good and that He will make a way for me.” 

Please repeat this 59 times a day if you have to. Worry is neither your friend nor your duty. Let go and let God because you are a miracle.