Joshua 1:8-9
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Don’t Worry. Be Happy. Regardless of the musical merits of that Bobby McFerrin song from the 80’s, the message, on the face of it, is positive. The problem arises when we ask the simple questions of why and how. Why should I not worry and how can I be happy when my world is crashing down around me? My job is a disaster. My health is failing. My relationships are a mess. The song sold close to a million copies so the message must have resonated. The reason and source remain elusive, however.
Joshua was about to succeed Moses, a recipe for failure because Moses was used by God to lead the people out of slavery. There must have been worry because God made a point of telling him to be strong and courageous, with the Good News that God would be with him. We have that same promise as we try to succeed in a tough world. The prosperity and success God promised are not like that of Bobby McFerrin, who became a millionaire. If we faithfully obey God’s command to make disciples, Jesus will be with us always. Praise the Lord!
Dear Lord, thank you for being with us today. Help us to truly not worry and to be happy in Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.