Notes of Faith February 27, 2025
Don’t Worry, Be Blessed
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
Psalm 1:1
At the 1989 Grammy Awards, the song of the year, record of the year, and best male pop vocal performance awards went to a catchy a cappella song called “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” In spite of its many awards, the song was panned by a number of critics.
If only being happy was as simple as choosing to be happy! From a biblical perspective, the song misses a critical point: Happiness is a by-product of other choices in life. We don’t obtain happiness by seeking it. Rather, we find happiness by seeking God and conforming our lives to His plan, purposes, and will. As Psalm 1 says, we are blessed (happy) when we avoid the counsel of a world that rejects God. And we find happiness when we delight ourselves in His Word and meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:1-2).
“Don’t worry” is good advice, to be followed by committing everything to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6).
Worry is an indication that we think God cannot look after us.
Oswald Chambers
Matt 6:31-34
31 "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' 32 "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Luke 12:22-32
do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. 23 "For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! 25 "And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life's span? 26 "If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? 27 "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 28 "But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! 29 "And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 "For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. 31 "But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.
Matt 5:1-12
5 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
The word Blessed in the above verses could be translated happy. I believe this even more because of the next verse using rejoice and be glad…is that not what it means to be happy?
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Let us indeed be happy, knowing that God cares for, provides all that we need and has invited us into His eternal home to be with Him forever!
Pastor Dale