Life Notes—November 19, 2009
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ …indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” Matthew 6:31-32
“In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry you make it double, Don’t worry, be happy!” Bobby McFerrin
Remember the Bobby McFerrin song from a number of years ago, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy?” My son, Reid, has been singing it a lot, lately. He’s singing it for a talent show in a few weeks, so he’s been trying it on for size. While I was reading this week’s scripture in preparation for writing this Life Note, Reid was singing the song. Ironically, the scripture and song are related in that both admonish us to stop worrying!
‘Cause when you worry your face will frown, and that will bring everybody down, Don’t worry, be happy!
However, after the common advice to stop worrying the two writers take slightly different paths. Where Bobby McFerrin encourages us to stop worrying and be happy, the writer of Matthew tells us to stop worrying and be faithful. Certainly, much of what happens in life, with or without worry, is not going to bring happiness—illness, broken relationships, financial troubles. But trusting in the care and timing of our loving God, regardless of the situation, is the natural outcome of faithfulness. We may not know how or when the reality facing us will improve, but our faith assures us it will. Worry is naturally short-sighted, faith takes the longer view. And whether we listen to the writer of Matthew or to Bobby McFerrin, we know worrying will only make the situation worse, for us and for those around us. Perhaps the common theme is, “Don’t worry, be thankful.”
This Sunday will be a rare treat as all four worship services will be combined into one service at 10:00 in the Free State High School auditorium. Tom’s sermon title is, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” The scripture reading is Matthew 6:25-33. Immediately following the service will be our annual Thanksgiving dinner in the Commons area. After all, we are One Church. It will be a treat to worship together as One Family, then to share a meal together as one hungry family!
Come home to worship this Sunday! Don’t worry, be thankful!
Greg Hildenbrand, Life Music Coordinator
Contemplating Grace 