Thirty-one years ago this month, the popular worldwide hit song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was released. American musician, Bobby McFerrin, recorded this a cappella song with the “instruments” as his overdubbed voice parts and other sounds that he made. His song hit number one on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart and stayed there for two weeks.
The lyrics go like this: “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. Don’t worry, be happy.”
This catchy song goes on to repeat the phrase “don’t worry, be happy” numerous times. I like to think he was trying to make a point; worrying does not benefit us even when things are tough. In fact, worrying makes life worse. There are many physical health concerns that come from worrying such as digestive issues, muscle tension, memory loss, high blood pressure and more.
Did you know that you can live stress-free in a stressful environment? I have great news for you! It is possible. There are countless ways the Word of God teaches us how to live in a peaceful state as well as the benefits to it. First of all, we must determine in our heart that we will choose not to worry. “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” It is possible to rewire our brain from worry to peace by choosing what thoughts we want to think and then by filling our mind with the Word of God. This is how we renew our mind.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” We need to consciously apply the Word of God to our situations. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal a scripture to stand on when negative, ungodly or worrisome thoughts bombard your mind. Speak the verse aloud several times until that thought leaves. Refuse to have a worried thought. Do not meditate on it. Do not give it any energy or attention.
Proverbs 14:30 suggests “A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body...” Another wise saying in Proverbs says, “...when you choose to be cheerful, every day will bring you more and more joy and fullness.” Did you know that laughter and joy are stress breakers? Laughter relaxes our entire body; leaving muscles relaxed for 45 minutes after a good belly laugh. It boosts the immune system, triggers the release of endorphins in the body, and protects the heart causing the inner lining of the blood vessels to expand. Mark Hankins says, “Laughter is the serious business of heaven.” Praise will turn your situation around!
Did you know your body cannot tell the difference between a fake laugh and a real laugh? Take a laugh break. Laugh by faith. Refuse to worry. Lay worry down then pick up joy. You’re not built to carry worry and stress. Think of not carrying that worry anymore and replace it with a thankful heart. Thankfulness will stop the enemy from having a hay day in your life. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy...”
Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 12:2, Proverbs 15:15b
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
