Don't Worry, Be Happy

Submitted by RVH on Wed, 08/18/2021 - 14:28
Don't worry, be happy

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is a song by Bobby McFerrin and was released in 1988.

In a strange way, it contained positive philosophical advice.

Here is a small sample;

"Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don't worry be happy
Don't worry be happy now"

"Now there is this song I wrote
I hope you learned it note for note like good little children
Don't worry be happy
Listen to a what I say in your life expect some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry be happy be happy now"

We find similar great advice in God’s word;

Proverbs 16:20    NKJV

20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good,
And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

Notice…those who TRUST in the Lord are happy.

I recently read a great statement on worrying in an article dated June 25, 2019, written by Mary Fairchild. 

It reads as follows;

"Worry is a futile thing

It's like a rocking chair

It will keep you occupied

But won't get you anywhere."

How very true these words are.  Please read them carefully and meditate upon them.

Fretting and worry have never solved a problem and they never will.

In fact, worry will cause more problems in our lives if it is allowed to consume us.

What solves problems is clear thinking, definite action when possible and dependence on God.

 

trust God

 

However, when we have done all that we can and the situation is totally out of our control, we must trust God totally, turning it over to Him.  When we cannot change things, we know that GOD CAN.

 

God can

 

What does Jesus say about this?

Matthew 6:30-34    NIV

30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 


What Are We To Do?


 

When we are facing problems in our life, we should do the following;

  • Pray for God’s guidance and help
  • Take action when it is in our power to do so
  • Prepare for the eventuality that we cannot do anything about the problem
  • Accept what we must endure
  • Enjoy each day, as each day is a gift
  • Think about what blessings God has bestowed upon us
  • Take inventory of the “good things” in our lives
  • Think about those who are in worse situations than ours
  • When the situation is out of our control, turn everything over to God
  • Remember always that God is in total control

 

trust God

 

Yes, it is often difficult to follow this advice.

That is the power of Satan, who wants us to worry and fret, wringing our hands in despair.

Why? Because when we are worrying and fretting, we are not trusting and depending on God for all things. It is virtually impossible to trust God when our life is consumed by worry.

Satan does not want us to trust and depend on God. Satan wants us to be discouraged, filled with doubt & fear and consumed by worry.

However, it can be done. We can defeat worry and fear with God’s help.

Though difficult for many, it CAN be done. I’ve seen it done.

The apostle Paul had more problems than most of us, yet he gave us these words to live by;

Philippians 4:8    NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:12    NIV

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:19    NIV

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

To close this lesson, let us remember the words the Hinsons used to sing;

“He will calm the troubled waters of your soul.”

God wants to help us and teach us during our problems and trials. He wants to calm the troubled waters of our soul.

He will, if we will let Him.

 

God can

 

RVH