Emulate Jesus Christ -- Post 26: "Don't Worry. Be Happy! Six Things You Can Do to Eliminate Worry"

...by Judy Rix

Can we be happy when our minds are filled with worry, doubts, and fears? We can transform our negative thoughts instantly by replacing them with positive ones.

Easy, right?

Not exactly! Life is tough.

This school of experience is meant to strengthen and tutor us through daily obstacles. But our attitude towards those challenges makes all the difference between a happy or a miserable life.

Years ago, my husband and his friend, Art, loaded a big truck with heavy lumber. Somehow the tie - down straps loosened causing all the boards to tumble off the truck. With his cheerful nature, Art simply laughed and joked and they began the hard job of reloading the wood onto the truck again. His humorous outlook transformed a tough situation into a happy memory that they still chuckle about today.

Life's challenges are enlarged by worry. Although experts have written numerous books on the subject, the solutions are always found in Jesus Christ.

Here Are Six Things You Can Do to Eliminate Worry:

(1) STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST.

Joseph Smith said, “Where doubt and uncertainty are, there faith is not, nor can it be. For doubt and faith do not exist in the same person at the same time. That person whose mind is under doubts and fears cannot have unshaken confidence. And where unshaken confidence is not, the faith is weak.” (Lectures on Faith 6:12) Let faith prevail over doubt and uncertainty.

(2) TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR THOUGHTS.

With Heavenly Father's guidance through prayer, you can transform your negative energy into positive energy. By deliberately focusing on what will go right rather than what might go wrong, you can alter those negative vibes. You don't have to tackle your problems alone. Seek guidance from God, and then listen for His answers. He will always help when you ask for it.

(3) SEPARATE WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL FROM WHAT YOU CANNOT CONTROL.

"Let go, and let God." Sometimes we have to just stop stressing and give your worries to a higher power. "Be still, and know that I am God." (Bible, Psalm 46:10)

(4) GIVE THANKS.

The Savior teaches, "Fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks." (D&C 98:1) Gratitude is an antidote to worry!

(5) STRIVE TO EMULATE CHRIST'S ATTRIBUTES AND BEHAVIOR.

Many of our worries can be eased or simplified when we ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" And then do it. Look for answers in the scriptures.

(6) STAY FOCUSED ON WHAT REALLY MATTERS.

D&C 88:67 states, "And if your eye be single to My glory, your whole bodies [physical and spiritual] shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you..." Righteousness amplified and magnified is light. Russell M. Nelson urged us to "Think Celestial." Having an eternal perspective helps us to remember that some things matter, and some things don't.

So...Don't Worry! Be Happy!

If you simply can't pull yourself from the worry scenario, try singing along with this happy little ditty by Bobby McFerrin, "Don't Worry. Be Happy."

______

Go to the Source -- What Do the Scriptures and Respected Teachers Say?

"Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power, and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God and for His arm to be revealed."

(D&C 123:17)

.

"Moving forward because we have confidence in ourselves will not bring the same degree of success as when our faith is centered in Jesus Christ and His ability to bless our efforts. The Savior promises us, 'If ye will have faith in me, ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.'" (Moroni 7:33)

Elder Carl B. Cook, "Don't Worry. Load the Wagon."

Please subscribe

to receive future blog posts:

Click Me