"DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY " Matthew 6: 25-34

I do not know if you remember the song "Don't Worry Be Happy" but it was a "cool" song that in 1988 was the song of the year. It also became the first song to reach number one that was entirely acapella (there were instrument sounds but they were made by the singer, Bobby McFerrin). Clearly, the song had a theme that should not be to hard to figure out: Don't Worry! The song starts:

"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......"

I must admit, when I very first heard the song I thought that it was a funny song that was about some drug induced happiness that the singer was inviting us all to experience. Once I got past my cynicism, I heard a song that had a very good theme - don't worry it will only make things worse. A few years after the song became popular a horrible false rumor went around that Bobby McFerrin, the singer, had committed suicide in some ironic twist of fate. What a terrible thing to spread in attempt to be funny or worse to squash a beneficial theme.

I read a good article on this topic and instead of continuing my thoughts I am going to include it here. The article is posted at: http://christianity.about.com/od/whatdoesthebiblesay/qt/reasonnot2worry.htm I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Have a blessed day.

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4 Reasons Not to Worry

What Does the Bible Say About Worry?
By Mary Fairchild, About.com

I've spent an awful lot of time in my life worrying. I've worried about grades in school, job interviews, approaching deadlines and shrinking budgets. I've worried about bills and expenses, rising gas prices, insurance costs and endless taxes. I've even worried about having my home in perfect condition for "company," and within seconds of their arrival, the house is turned upside down and no one even notices.

I've worried about first impressions, political correctness, identity theft and contagious infections. In spite of all the worrying, I'm still alive and well, and all my bills are paid.

Over the span of my lifetime, worrying accounts for hours and hours of invaluable time that I'll never get back. So, I have decided that I'd like to spend my time more wisely and more enjoyably. If you're not convinced yet to give up your worrying, here are four biblical reasons not to worry.

1. Worrying Accomplishes Absolutely Nothing.

I don't know about you, but I don't have any time to waste these days. And worrying is a waste of very precious time. Worrying won't help you solve a problem or bring about a solution, so why waste your time and energy on it?

Matthew 6:27-29: Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. (NLT)

2. Worrying is Not Good for You.

Worrying is destructive to us in many ways. It becomes a mental burden that can even cause us to grow physically sick.

Proverbs 12:25: Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (NLT)

3. Worrying is the Opposite of Trusting God.

The energy that we spend worrying can be put to much better use in prayer. Here's a little formula to remember: Worry replaced by Prayer equals Trust.

Matthew 6:30: And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? (NLT)

Philippians 4:6-7: Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

4. Worrying Puts Your Focus in the Wrong Direction.

When we keep our eyes focused on God, we remember his love for us and we realize we truly have nothing to worry about. God has a wonderful plan for our lives, and part of that plan includes taking care of us. Even in the difficult times, when it seems like God doesn't care, we can put our trust in the Lord and focus on his kingdom. God will take care of our every need.

Matthew 6:25: That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? (NLT)

Matthew 6:31-33: So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (NLT)

1 Peter 5:7: Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT)