Re-Joy-ce

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" Luke 12:25-26

Everyone is not immune to this thing we call worry. For you see, everyone fusses about something -- big or small, and everyone does it, rich or poor, young or old, small or great. It's not just us.

There is no escaping it, both believers and unbelievers alike. But what did Jesus tell us regarding worrying?

Look above and read Luke 12:25-26 again.

Now Paul in writing to the believers in Philippi wrote:

"Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks." Philippians 4:4-6

It's uncanny that he said be joyful, twice. And then he said not to worry about anything but instead do what? Give thanks to the Lord and let Him know what you need in prayer. It's not funny and a bit strange that most times we worry and fuss and pull our hair out but we forget to bring what we are so worried about to the Lord and leave it with Him. I mean really leave it to God to take care of.

It is important to note that Paul most probably wrote this letter to the Philippians while he was imprisoned and was nearing the time when he was to be executed -- definitely something to be worried about.

But what did Paul say, yes to rejoice.

We know that joy comes from the Lord and no one and nowhere else, but it seems that whenever we are worried about something, anything and I know we all do, this joy seems to fade away or it goes and hides in the back. But Paul even in the midst of his suffering is telling us to rejoice -- or rejoyce (re joy) -- bring the joy back, back to front and center.

Let go. Sing. Dance. Play a musical instrument. Clap your hands. Jump up and down. Praise and give thanks but most of all give it all to the Lord. This is what our Savior is waiting for us to do. Try it.