Don't Worry, Be Happy

by Patrice Tsague, RCE Partner

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25

Here is 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
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy

Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy
The landlord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy

You may remember these lyrics from the popular Grammy winning song in 1988 by Bobby McFerrin titled "Don't worry be Happy." The song is kind of soft and funny but it illustrates a little of what Jesus was trying to bring across when He stated in Matthew 6:25 that you ought not to "worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on." For "life is more than food and the body is more than clothing." Jesus goes on to point out in Matthew 6:32 that He knows that we have need of things. He uses the example of the lilies and the birds in Matthew 6:28 which do not work, yet our heavenly Father provides for them. How much more will He provide for us, His own children, who are created in His image and in His likeness?

In a sense, Jesus was trying to get across to us that we ought not to worry because we are blessed. If you breakdown the word "bless" to a literal meaning today you will find that it also means happy. According to the Google online dictionary, happiness is marked by joy or pleasure or good fortune. It is an emotional state that is characterized by feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction based on the recognition of our good fortune. So I can rename this devotional this way; don't worry be blessed.

I know, you are currently facing many difficulties; gas prices are unreasonable, food prices and airline tickets are up, furthermore you have not received a raise and business may not be going as it should. Why should you not worry? And why should you be happy? Does worrying about the situation ever help?

When you worry about something you actually make it worse. Not only does worry not change the situation but it also disarms your ability to resolve it. Worrying puts you on the defensive and demonstrates a lack of faith in God. Even Jesus recognizes this when He states, "worrying does not add one cubic to your stature" (Matthew 6:27). Worrying gives the circumstance greater power than it deserves. Worrying demonstrates a lack of faith in God. Worrying is a violation of the first commandment "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). When you worry, you are turning the object of your worry into a god.

Worrying is like a cancer that slowly destroys your immune system. So don't worry be happy! Yes in the midst of trials, tests, persecutions, difficulties, financial trouble; be happy. James, the brother of Jesus states it this way; "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials" (James 1:2). That is right, look at the problem in the face and begin to smile and express your excitement, because whatever you are facing, God is working it together for your good.

"Why should I be happy when I should be crying?" you may ask. Because whatever you are facing right now is good for you. Here are the benefits of trouble and trials:

1. They shape your character
2. They cultivate your patience
3. They bring you closer to God
4. They enhance your prayer life
5. They strengthen your faith
6. They perfect you where you are weak
7. They cause you to be grateful

Without trouble, many of these benefits cannot be achieved and if it is up to you, you will never know that you have achieved them. So go ahead, be happy because whatever you are going through God is working together for your good. He is using your trials to cultivate in you great virtues that are essential for life and godliness. You can now understand why Bobby McFerrin's song is appropriate for us as believers; it reminds us that in the midst of difficult situations, we remain blessed. So whatever you are facing, don't worry be happy!