Pastor's Pondering, June 16, 2014

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

This was the title of a catchy song by musician Bobby McFerrin over twenty-five years ago. Although this song makes me picture a Caribbean vacation while tuning out the rest of the world, no matter how hard I try, the evil around me thrusts me back into reality. The songwriter may not have known that this catchy phrase was actually a biblical principle.

When we hear of the new fighting in Iraq, the new kidnappings in Africa, and the deliberate assassination of police officers in Las Vegas, we can get discouraged.  Political leaders seem more focused on winning the next election than supporting the people and policies that got them elected. Trusted financial institutions are being charged with illegal actions. The forces for evil and destruction seem to be winning.

King David wrote that we are really not to worry or fret about people who are doing wrong things because soon they will die away (Psalm 37:1, 2).  But what should we do in the meantime when they are wreaking havoc upon the earth?  What positive steps should righteous people take?

David says that we should seek our happiness in God.  He will give us what our heart desires (Psalm 37:4). Instead of allowing our hearts and minds to be consumed in despair with the evil around us, God wants us to look for happiness in Him. He will make our direction clear and positive.  Although we make mistakes, He will sustain us.  Even our children will be blessed and have good things in life (Psalm 37:23-26).

In spite of the evil going on in the world, let us delight, enjoy, focus on the Lord and He will answer our prayers.  Let us encourage ourselves and others not to worry and to seek happiness in God.

Please comment below and share how you have encouraged yourself and others to delight in the Lord.

Psalm 37:1, 2

New International Version (NIV)

1 Do not fret because of those who are evil
or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

Psalm 37:4

Good News Translation (GNT)
4 Seek your happiness in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desire.

Psalm 37:23-26

New International Version (NIV)

23 The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;

24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken 
or their children begging bread.

26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.