In September 1988, the popular hit song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was penned and released by Bobby McFerrin. It was composed in full acapella combined with feel good lyrics and a catchy, whimsical whistling melody. The message of the song is that no matter how unpleasant a situation gets, do not worry and just be happy. While a great classic, the song goes no further in explaining exactly how to achieve the “happiness” outcome.

Bible reference: Luke 12:22-34

The need to be secure is endemic to the human condition. The absence of security induces panic, worry (or anxiety) and that too is endemic to the human condition. No one either wants or likes to worry but the fact is, we do.

So when Jesus instructs his disciples in Luke 12:22 saying, “do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.”

Is Jesus teaching the impossible? Is Jesus being unrealistic and detached?

Is Jesus teaching the impossible?

Yes, Jesus is teaching the impossible (he often does). Impossible by human feats but entirely POSSIBLE with God’s intervention (Matthew 19:26).

According to a 2015 article published by US News, over 270 million prescriptions are filled each year for anti-anxiety/depressants and yet the number of anxiety and depression cases grow at an alarming annual rate. Billions of dollars are spent by the government to combat anxiety and depression cases, still the number rises. So, if all these vast human efforts and resources aren’t providing us the answers to solving our anxiety issues by giving us the wholesome security we desire as human beings, then what or WHO can?

Jesus says, God can. With God there is never any absence of security. The believer is always secure because God is always faithful (2 Timothy 2:13 ESV ).

So when Jesus says, “give no thought for your life”, the follow up question usually is, “If i don’t worry about my life, then who will?” Jesus says, God will. The understanding is that the burdens of our lives are no longer our responsibility to bear but God’s. And if a person trusts God completely, then why worry?

The Lord Jesus emphasizes the point further in Luke 12:24, referring to the ravens and how God takes care of their daily needs because he cares for them. How much more, human beings who are created in God’s image?

 

A believer who worries constantly is one who has yet to trust God completely.

Is Jesus being unrealistic and detached?

No, Jesus is neither being unrealistic nor detached. More than anyone Jesus understood the proclivity for worry as a human condition. As he himself faced with the task of carrying away the world’s sins would face a brief separation from God, began to sweat drops of blood (Luke 22:44). Nevertheless, he submitted his will and committed his spirit to the Father. Jesus trusted God at the time of his greatest trial. He demonstrated the words he spoke to his disciples and he was glorified once again.

 

Final thought: No man made concept, sociological, technological, or medical advancement will ever eliminate man’s proclivity for worry or anxiety. It is a human condition that can only be overcome by trusting entirely in God.