Don''t Worry, Be Happy!

“Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

Isaiah 35:4  



It was Martin Luther the father of the reformation who said, “Pray, and let God worry.” Often times this is easier said than done and yet that is exactly what the Lord has called us to do. The point Martin Luther is making is our job is not to worry or live in fear of the known or unknown but to give our worries over to God. The phrase “fear not” is used some 80 times in the Bible, most likely because God knows the enemy uses fear to decrease our hope and trust in Him. The Bible doesn’t teach that believers don’t have fears or aren’t at times overcome by worry. Scripture actually recognizes the opposite to be true. The Bible simply gives us clear instructions on what to do when our hearts are feeling overwhelmed. The psalmist said it best, “Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:1-2).

It’s not if but when with regard to feeling anxious in this life. At some point we all are forced to face our fears. Two of the most important questions that need to be asked and answered is what do we do and where do we turn when life overwhelms us, when fear grips our heart and attempts to dominate our thinking. The best thing any of us can do when fear attempts to block our path forward is pray and look to God. The apostle Paul writes to the believers at the church in Philippi, “Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). That is rock solid council we do well to follow.

The next time you are facing fear take the apostles admonition to heart. First and foremost don’t give in to your fears. Determine to not worry but rather to worship when you are feeling anxious. Pray, talk with God about your fears and worries. No one knows you like God, and no one better understands how you think and feel. Accept His invitation and come boldly and humbly before the Lord and let your requests be made known with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving, yes! We aren’t thanking God for the those things that make us anxious but rather we are thanking God for hearing our cries and replacing our fears with peace, real peace, His peace! Leave it all on the altar, loved one, don’t hold back in pouring out your heart before the Lord. Allow God’s peace which surpasses understanding to guard your heart and mind knowing…


“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”

Psalm 56:3


I LOVE YOU!  



Michael Osthimer

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