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By Emmy McKirgan

“Don’t worry, be happy!” Just hearing those few words makes me automatically think of the song by Bobby McFerrin. Not only that, but I sing it while ” reading” it. Did you do the same thing?

It is much more than a happy song, though. It is the Word of God! There are many scriptures relating to worry. I wonder why? Perhaps it’s because God, in His infinite wisdom, knew how often we would worry! Worry and fear seem to go hand in hand.

After telling us not to worry, he doesn’t leave us high and dry. Instead, he gives us the remedy – PRAYER! It continues by guiding us about what to pray. Do we need to pray for the big things – like world peace and healing for our nations? Well, yes, of course! We need prayer for that. But the scriptures don’t stop there -they tell us to pray about everything! You need the courage to fight your panic attack – pray. You need wisdom in dealing with your child, spouse, or co-worker- pray. You need to feel loved because you feel rejected and alone – pray. Anything and everything that comes up for your day in and day out – you can pray about it!

What is prayer?

Is it some mystic idea? Some specific formula you have to follow? No, prayer is just talking to God. You all know how to speak to a friend, loved one, or co-worker. Then you know how to pray! You may think you need to be eloquent and have an earth-shattering force while speaking – but God doesn’t want that! He wants authentic and honest words. Sometimes these could be a groan, a “help,” or anything that describes your current situation.

Provided that prayer is talking to God, like a friend, we also need to tell him the good stuff! If you are happy and blessed – tell him that too!
Thank him! Thank him in your pain, not for your pain. The word says to “be thankful in all circumstances,” not for all circumstances. Thank him for walking with you or even “carrying” you in pain. Thank him for the very breath you have!
Be thankful! Be a person with a grateful attitude and see how the atmosphere around you changes.