Don’t Worry, Be Happy!

Matthew 6:27, Philippians 4:6, Romans 8:32

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Do you remember that old song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy?” I think the premise of that song was an encouragement for people who are feeling blue and instead of being filled with so much worry and sadness, just be lighthearted and happy. Just act as if there’s nothing to worry about.

If you listen carefully to the song and tells you that if someone takes your bed, well, don’t worry, be happy. If you’re late in paying your rent and the landlord takes you to court, well, don’t worry, be happy. You don’t have enough money. Or if you’re feeling alone, well, don’t worry, be happy. It’s not really that big of a deal.

Now, if you really think about it, what sort of comfort does that give you with those rather serious problems, right? And if somebody takes your bed, if you’re late on your rent, don’t have enough money, feeling all alone, those are big problems to simply tell someone, don’t worry, be happy, seems kind of cruel.

What should you do? I think about for us as Christians, we know that it is true that worrying won’t get you anywhere. In fact, Jesus himself in Matthew chapter 6 in the Sermon on the Mount says this

“Which of you can add a single moment to his lifespan by worrying?” (Matthew 6:27)”

God certainly doesn’t want us to worry. But what should we do, just simply be happy? The Bible also gives us this encouragement,

Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

You see, God invites us, no matter what’s on your mind, no matter how anxious you feel about something, to give it to him, to place it on him, to make it God’s problem, not yours, and to trust that he’s going to take care of it. And how can we be so sure that God can take care of our problems? God is the almighty maker of heaven and earth, isn’t he? He could make the entire world simply speaking the word and poof, it’s there. But also this Romans chapter 8, verse 32, he reminds us

Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him? (Romans 8:32)

It reminds us that if he was willing to give his son Jesus Christ into death for us and for our sins, certainly he cares about us and the lesser things, the smaller things, the smaller details he’s able to take care of those things too.

The “don’t worry, be happy,” God certainly doesn’t want us to worry, but we have a reason to be happy. It’s not simply because we don’t want to feel blue. It’s because we have a God who is powerful and a God who loves us. And he’s shown that through his Son, Jesus Christ. Let’s pray.

Dear Lord God, there are many things in our lives that have led us to worry and stress, forgive us for our failures to trust in you as we should. We place all of these things into your care. We ask your gracious aid in times of trouble. We’re confident that you will help because you have shown us your love for us in Christ. In his name, we pray, Amen.