Don't worry, be happy!

Don't worry, be happy for God has not given us the spirit of fear and worry.

I listened to a very good lesson on the radio yesterday morning as I was driving into work. The message was out of Psalms 37, versus 1-8. The title I cant remember, but the lesson was, "Christians Have Stress Too." The word was meant to encourage us not to worry, for worry chokes out the word of God. I needed that word yesterday, it came at a time when I'm dealing a few issues that had me up consumed with how to handle them.

In Psalms 37:1-8, we receive instruction to not be agitated, to not fret people or evil doers. We receive instruction to not be agitated or fret about those who prosper by evil plans, and we receive instruction to refrain from being agitated or fretting because to do so is to bring about harm to ourselves. Worrying hurts us, internally, emotionally etc.

In this passage in Psalms 37 we receive the Word that we should, "Trust in the Lord", "Delight in the Lord", "Commit our ways to the Lord", "Rest or be silent before the Lord" and to allow His work to be done in us. I can't remember needing a Word so appropriate for the things on my plate.

Many people worry during the Christmas season, I want to encourage you not to worry, but to trust in the Lord, he can handle and will handle what you are going through. As the song, "I will trust in the Lord" says, stay on the battlefield for the Lord. Stay on bended knee in prayer, He knows your needs. "In prayer and supplication, let your requests be known to God. The peace of God which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". (Philippians 4:6-7)

Many believe worry is a sin. The belief is that we are not trusting God. I want to trust God in all ways, in the good times and the bad. I need forgiveness when I worry, I dont want to be "double-minded", believing in God, and worrying about things at the same time. A good friend of mind said it best to me years ago, "If you are going to pray, don't worry. If you are going to worry. don't pray." There are many things we need to be "concerned" about, but when it comes to being stirred up by worry, trust in the Lord, ask Him to increase your faith, then allow Him to work in your heart and your mind so that you may become happy and worry free.

Love and peace to all.