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This Week’s Devotional Topic
DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY
Some of you may remember a song popular back in the late 80s called “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. That song may seem simplistic and a little trite but does remind us of some basic biblical concept and promises of God.
Don’t worry about anything but pray. God will give you His true peace so that you can experience real joy and happiness. And the Joy of the LORD is our strength.
Nehemiah 8:9,10 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Philippians 4:6,7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Then as the Apostle Paul describes how God’s peace will guard our minds, he goes on in verses 8 & 9 giving us a list of things to keep our minds on and the resulting promise that the “God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8,9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Matthew 6:25-34 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 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? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today”.
I Peter 5:6,7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Getting frustrated and paralyzed by fear of things that you cannot change is a waste of time. That exercise is not of faith.
I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Psalms 30:4,5 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Don’t worry about stuff around you but be happy as you keep your perspective on the love of God and His faithfulness as He cares for you.
This week’s Scripture:
Philippians 4:6-9; Nehemiah 8:9,10; I Peter 5:6,7; Matthew 6:25-34; I Corinthians 10:13 and Psalms 30:4,5
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