“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is a song by Bobby McFerrin that was often quoted to me growing up. I used to think that this was just a catchy little saying, but recently I have realized just how true it actually is.

Worry is something that everyone deals with in some way or another at various points in life. It can be a dangerous thing because we allow our minds to dwell on difficulty or troubles. To dwell literally means to live in or at a specified space - to be settled. When we worry, we are settled and living in thoughts focused only on the negative.

These can include something as small as not being on time, or as large as financial troubles, but no matter the trouble when we worry we allow it to become our main focus. Doing this can often blind us from the power and plan that God has. This can affect our attitudes and behaviors and induce stress or anxiety within us which can create a vicious cycle, but we have the power to break it.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We have a perfect and loving Father that wants us to share our burdens and worries with Him so He can relieve the stress we feel. I don’t think this verse is saying that by doing this we will never worry again, but that instead when we feel overwhelmed or consumed with worry we have a way to find indescribable peace.

When we worry about things we can’t control or difficult circumstances, we can trust God to hear our prayers and know that He can calm our minds and hearts as He guides us through whatever is creating worry within us. Doing this allows for the saying “don’t worry, be happy” to become true in our lives as we set aside our worries and gain true joy and peace.

Time and time again I have found this to be true in my life. I am a person who often allows my mind to be filled with worry over many situations and oftentimes trivial things that don’t even make sense to be worrying about. It’s when I take my focus off of my troubles, and fix my gaze on Christ, that his love overwhelms my heart and replaces my worry with peace and ultimate happiness.

This week when you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed by worry, know that Christ is greater and we can trust Him and the plan He has for us. Allow yourself to find freedom in releasing your worries and truly experience serenity.