1Jo 4v18 – Don’t worry, be happy

1Jo 4v18 – Don’t worry, be happy

“🎶 Don’t Worry. Be happy,” 🎶 says the popular song. But the problem is how do you do this? How can you be happy when you have worries? We met her late at night. We were the only patrons in the restaurant on Sunday night. At over 80, she walked slowly, pushing a walker. As the restaurant owner, she stayed until the end and then drove her staff home. Yet her challenges were huge, we learned as we chatted with her. COVID and lockdowns had killed the restaurant industry. Age, health issues, and diminishing finances meant the future looked bleak. And then she said, “with all these issues, I can’t help but wor…”.  We were sure she would say “worry” as there was much to fear. But she said “worship”. Wow. She praises God despite her situation. She applies God’s worry-to-happy solution. She replaces worry with worship. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18). When the apostles were in prison fearing their future, they sang praises (Acts 16:25). When Jesus was about to be crucified, he prays and praises God (John 17). Replace your worry with worship, and you will be happy.  Open Bible – https://bit.ly/acts16v25, https://bit.ly/joh17v1-26