Many of us will recall the 1988 Bobby McFerrin hit song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" which encouraged us not to worry and simply be happy. Long before Bobby McFerrin's use of the phrase, God encouraged us not to worry in Matthew 6: 25-34. His word tells us not to worry about food, clothing, or anything else. He reminds us that in Christ, all these things are provided for and worrying about them is unnecessary. If he provides for the least, he will provide for us.
Worrying worsens the situation and jeopardizes our well being. There are approximately 350,000,000 people globally who suffer from some type of depression indicating that it is more common amongst people in general than we recognize. More than 11% of children in the United States will experience some type of depression before the age of 18 and about 30% of U.S. college students have had their education interrupted because of some episode of depression. For many, that depression stems from fear and worry, two things that God encourages us to resist. His word makes it clear that we need to stop worrying and being afraid; we need to learn to rejoice in the midst of the storm. He provides us Christian professionals and doctors who can help support us if our fear and stress become overwhelming, all resources we should willingly take advantage of.
God's word sets the expectation for us when it states in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord, always; and I again I say rejoice." It goes on to say in Philippians 4:7, "And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." His joy, peace, and understanding enables each of us to say don't worry, be happy! Just a little advice to go!
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