There was a song that came out in 1988 titled, “Don’t Worry. Be Happy.” Although it repeated that message over and over endlessly, we were never given a reason not to worry or told why we should be happy. It is not a coincidence that the fourth chapter of Philippians is being read and preached about throughout our country in this time of anxiety and uncertainty. It is God, through His Holy Spirit, giving us a reason not to worry and telling us why we should rejoice instead. “Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:6-8)
That passage of scripture isn’t about some psychological power of positive thinking. It is about taking our anxiety and worries off of our shoulders and placing them in God’s hands; then refocusing our attention on Him and all He has done for us. My senior pastor reminded us Sunday of the words of an old hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” When we focus on God and all of the blessings He has given us, there is no way we can be distracted by the storm going on around us.
Another passage of scripture being read and taught these days is the 91st Psalm; beginning with Psalms 91:1 (our spiritual 911 call). “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” That entire chapter describes the safety, security and rest found in God’s presence and I reread it often while I’m sailing through these turbulent and treacherous waters.
I have found one of the benefits of worship services being streamed live on the internet is that I can be in three services in different cities on the same day; as I was this past Sunday. I attended a drive-in service in the parking lot of the Ewing Baptist Church in Ewing, Missouri; then attended the service at my church in Tinley Park, Illinois; then joined my young pastor friend at Anthem Church in Hammond, Indiana. It was the best possible use of modern technology. What a blessing! It is just one more reason for which I am thankful to God, who is the author of every good thing.