Dont worry be happy!

Matthew 6:25-34

The popular song “Don’t worry, be happy” has a nice ring to it and seems to suggest a good way to combat worry. However, it is actually unrealistic to think we can simply overcome worry by forcing ourselves to be happy. Especially when we are facing traumatic obstacles like the loss of a loved one, financial crisis, serious illness or relationship problems. In these cases it would be irresponsible for us to say “don’t worry, just be happy”.  Fortunately for us, Jesus showed us an amazing picture of how we can find freedom from worry [recorded in Matthew 6:25-34]. Here Jesus teaches us that we actually have to firstly surrender our worry to Him before there can be any true lasting peace or joy in a difficult and demanding situation (6:25-26). Secondly He tells us that worrying is pointless—why? Because you will achieve nothing by it (6:27). But thirdly, and most importantly He explains how we can truly defeat worry:

“Seek the Kingdom of GOD above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need” – Matthew 6:33

Perhaps those lyrics would work better if we could put this to a tune, “Don’t worry, turn everything over to Jesus, and be happy!”