Worship Services Featured

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Christopher Alderman

• 2 min read

Scripture References

Philippians 4:4–9; Matthew 6:25–34; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 23

Introduction

  • Pastor Tim opened with a short clip of Bobby McFerrin’s 1988 hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”
  • Noted how catchy tunes lodge in our minds much like persistent worries.
  • Connected the song’s theme to Paul’s counsel in Philippians, written while under house arrest in Rome around AD 62 to the first European church (Philippi, Macedonia/Greece).
  • Stated purpose: show believers why worry is unproductive and how Scripture prescribes a better path.

Key Points / Exposition

1. Worry Is Needless, Useless, and Dangerous

  • Greek term Paul (and Jesus) used conveys “anxious, choking pre-occupation.”
  • Jesus’ examples (birds, lilies) prove God meets basic needs; worrying adds nothing (Matthew 6:27).
  • Anecdote: preacher’s commission-only sales job—anxiety drove unwise miles, debt, and stress.
  • Medical note: ulcers and coronary disease often rooted in chronic stress.

2. Worry Is Blind

  • We frequently rehearse the same fears, forgetting God’s past faithfulness.
  • History lesson: if we fail to learn, we repeat.
  • Illustration: flat-tire traveler invents worst-case scenario, rejects help he never sought.
  • Application: chart past worries that never materialized; let them testify to God’s reliability.

3. Worry Is Blasphemous

  • Blasphemy = denying God’s character or ability; chronic worry suggests He cannot care for His children.
  • “Heathens” (unbelievers) run after such things; believers have a Father (Matthew 6:32).
  • Testimony: former pastor with abusive earthly father learned to pray, “Father dearest,” discovering God’s perfect paternal care.

Remedies

1. First Remedy—Seek the Kingdom

  • Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:8 align: fill mind with what is true, noble, pure, lovely, praiseworthy.
  • When busy advancing God’s reign, energy diverts from anxiety to purpose.

2. Second Remedy—Live One Day at a Time

  • Yard-by-yard life is hard; inch-by-inch it’s a cinch.
  • Jesus: “Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
  • Talmudic wisdom echoes: tomorrow may never come, so don’t finance future sorrows with today’s strength.

Major Lessons & Revelations

  • God’s nearness (“The Lord is near,” Philippians 4:5; Psalm 23) is the antidote to fear.
  • Peace that “transcends understanding” guards both heart (emotions) and mind (thought patterns).
  • Gratitude transforms petitions into trust; thanksgiving is the gateway to peace.

Practical Application

  • Memorize Philippians 4:8; use it as a thought-filter.
  • Convert every worry into specific prayer plus thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6).
  • Keep a “God’s track record” journal of past provisions.
  • Prioritize Kingdom service—volunteer, give, witness; let mission crowd out anxiety.
  • Tackle responsibilities in 24-hour segments; refuse to rehearse hypothetical futures.

Conclusion & Call to Response

  • Despite uncertain seasons, believers rest in an unchanging Father.
  • Congregation was invited to stand, trust God afresh, and join His mission.
  • Benediction proclaimed grace, love, and Spirit fellowship as they go to serve “a world of desperate needs.”

Prayer

“Father, help us place our trust in You, join Your mission, and live free from anxious care. May Your love, the grace of Jesus, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit accompany us now and forever. Amen.”

References & Resources

  • Song: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” – Bobby McFerrin (1988)
  • Book: McFerrin’s expanded lyrics volume (contains 200 verses)
  • Quote: Mark Lowry on outcomes (“better, worse, or the same”)
  • Jewish Talmud proverb on tomorrow’s evils

Recorded Sunday, January 11th, 2026
Message by Pastor Tim Ward
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9