Don’t worry, be happy
by Greg Fowler
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She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made (Luke 10:39,40a).
Read Luke 10:38–42
Many years ago, American singer-songwriter Bobby McFerrin enchanted us all with his song ‘Don’t worry, be happy’. Despite its relaxed and catchy tune, as a natural worrier, I was never comforted by this song. Whenever it came on the radio, I found myself talking back to no-one in particular with phrases like, ‘How can I just not worry?’ and ‘It’s all right for you, but you don’t have my worries.’
When I get overburdened, I tend to fill my days with activity and keep myself so busy that I haven’t got time to dwell on my worries. I know that I am not alone with this trait. So, Martha is like a kindred spirit to me. I understand it’s easier to ignore important relational, financial or spiritual issues than stop and deal with them head-on.
Jesus is well aware of our inclinations to cling to our worries while we occupy ourselves with tasks. He also knows how important it is for us to sit at his feet and allow him to deal with our anxieties. Only by hearing Jesus’ words and resting in his promises can we be relieved of those things that rob us of peace.
Jesus’ words are not ordinary words, and he calls us to hear them as extraordinary words that perform what they say. When we pray for God’s Spirit to prepare us and take time to treasure Jesus’ words, we find that our worries melt away. We allow our minds to be focused on God and his solutions rather than on the problems that worry us.
Dear Jesus, help us to be more Mary and less Martha. Be gentle with us as we learn to be still and trust that your words will give us peace. Lift our hearts as we sit at your feet. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.
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