Queen Inspiration and Empowerment

DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY

“Worry is the sin of distrusting the promise and providence of God, and yet it is a sin that Christians commit perhaps more frequently than any other.” -John MacArthur

Dr. Shiral Green-Smith

Bobby McFerrin wrote a song in the late 80s that became a big hit, so much that people all around the world, including me, were singing it –” Don’t Worry, Be Happy." People went all out, sporting this phrase on T-shirts, bumper stickers, coffee mugs, etc. It was a good motto, but I wonder how many people took action and actually did what the song said.

Regardless of what was going on in people's lives, the message that went around the world was, “Don't worry, things will work out.” McFerrin may or may not have known that our heavenly Father really wanted us to do just what the lyrics said. God always wants us to live in a worry-free, zone. 

I’m not saying that we have to be walking around smiling all the time when everything seems to be falling apart all around us, but I am saying this: When we put our trust in God, He releases a supernatural peace that sustains us, and His joy gives us strength to endure in the midst of great challenges Matthew 6:30 says it best: 

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)

My friend, what can you accomplish by worrying today? Read carefully as I answer it for you… Absolutely nothing. I must say, in my own life, even after all the many times I've seen God come through for me and my family, it's a continuous effort to fight against the spirit that tries to get me out of faith and into a worry mode. Did you know that worry is a sin, and it can also become a mental burden that can weigh you down, bringing depression, sickness and other challenges that can harm your body and emotions? Proverbs 12:25 says, “Worry weighs a person down. An encouraging word cheers a person up.” (NLT) 

In Peter 5:7 (NLT) we can learn how to stay out of the worry zone by following these simple, but powerful, words: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” Can't you feel His tender loving care as you read these words? God is truly concerned about you and your well-being. 

I can see why God asks us not to worry; we use so much unproductive energy when we do. In my walk with the Lord, there were many occasions when I would look at my situation and the different challenges I was up against. My biggest struggle was trusting God in the waiting period. I needed Him to move right away, and I would find myself worrying because of a deadline that looked like I wasn't going to make, especially where finances were concerned.

The enemy would turn up the heat since I invited him in through worry, instead of faith, to try to mentally torment me by painting images in my mind that were totally against what God declared to be truth in my life. I had to stand up and go to God’s Word and confess, boldly, His promises to me; and worry had to flee. I don't know what your challenges are, but the enemy may tell you that you're never coming out of your situation. He may say, “Give up. The money won't come in on time to pay those bills that are urgently due. That lump in your breast is cancerous. That sickness is unto death.” It could be one negative thing after another. You must silence the enemy by speaking the promises of God by faith. 

We can't say we trust God and worry at the same time. God promised you and me that He would supply all our needs according to His riches in Glory.

Always remember, you don’t have to worry, just be happy because Jesus cares for you always!

Dr. Shiral Green-Smith CEO of Empowering You to Become enterprise!

(Photographer: Jackie Hicks)