2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. (NIV)

Over three decades ago, Bobby McFerrin wrote a little song called Don't worry be happy. Do you remember this catchy little song? The lyrics from his song started off:

Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry, you make it double
Don't worry, be happy

This song went on to win song of the year and record of the year honours at the 1989 Grammy Awards.

It took me a few years to stop worrying about this and that. One day, I had no choice but finally to pick up my many burdens and turn them over to Jesus. Why was this necessary? My mind was lying to me; it told me that I was having heart issues. Before consulting with my doctor, every burden that I was carrying I bravely took to the Lord in prayer. When I eventually sat down with my doctor, he told me, "Your heart is fine." The doctor also said, "Stress and anxiety are bad for the heart." Oh, what needless pain I had carried around! Now, my heart is pain free. Enough of the endless and needless suffering of worrying.

You, too, can take all your burdens to Jesus. The result will surprise you.

Worrying doesn't accomplish anything constructive, yet we do it anyway. On the other hand, worry can blind us with fear, and fear turns into pain and stress. What does the Bible tell us about worrying?

Psalm 56:3 – When I am afraid, I will trust in you. (NIV)

Psalm 94:19 – When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. (NIV)

Jeremiah 17:7 – But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. (NIV)

We can trust God completely, believing and remembering that He is always with us and that He will see us through all our troubles, great or small. Jesus said:

John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)

To help combat worrying, I often sing either silently to myself or loudly:

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer.
       – Joseph Scriven (1820-1886)

Today, you, too, can say, "Enough!" Perhaps, you might sing that hymn or another one that comforts you. Take your worries to Him and accept His peace.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, it is a privilege to carry everything to You in prayer. We thank You for Your constant presence in our lives and for taking care of all our troubles, great or small. We praise Your holy name with everything within us. Amen.

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About the author:

Yvonne Myers <yvonneemyers@gmail.com>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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