In 1988 Bobby McFerrin won three Grammy Awards for a simple song that repeated one single phrase over 20 times – “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
It was a simple song yet it swept the country by storm. Why, because worry and anxiety are at the core of human existence.
Everyone is looking for an answer to help them overcome their anxiety and experience true joy in life. Everyone would love to be able to know how not worry and be happy.
Several years ago Richard Dreyfuss was being interviewed by Barbara Walters on ABC’s 20/20. Near the end of the interview she asked him the question: “If you could have one wish, and wish for anything in the world, what would it be?” Without hesitation, Richard Dreyfuss looked into the camera and said: “Every time I have a birthday; every time I blow out candles; every time I see a shooting star, I wish for the same thing. I wish for peace”.
We are a nation and a world at wit’s end. The statistics are staggering concerning: Drug & Alcohol Addictions, Domestic Homicide, Nervous Breakdowns, and Suicide.
We can’t build rehabilitation centers fast enough. We can’t build prisons fast enough. We can’t provide counselors fast enough. We go into a New Year with the hope that things will be better. But if they are better it won’t be because of resolutions or wishes but because we have found the answer in Jesus Christ.
Corrie Ten Boom said:
When I look at the world, I get depressed.
When I look at myself, I get distressed.
When I look at others, I get oppressed.
But when I look at Jesus, I am at rest!
Jesus Christ is the answer and the hope that we have today and in this coming year.
