Happy – go – lucky: that’s a phrase I never hear in these modern times. A sign of the times, I suppose. Everyone appears to be so busy, so stressed, and so focused on planning for their futures and working toward their goals, I suppose there really isn’t time to be happy-go-lucky. According to Merriam-Webster, to be happy go lucky is to have a relaxed and casual manner, exhibiting a carefree freedom from worries about troubles.

I visited a close friend yesterday whom I haven’t seen in a while and when she questioned about how I was doing I could only reply “Wonderful! I feel almost guilty for feeling so good – so happy, so healthy, so content with letting the Lord hold the reins of my life.” In thinking about it now, I truly have become happy go lucky!

How do we attain such a state of carefree unconcern about the troubles of this life? What is the source of such peace and contentment?

I can assure you it is not an absence of trouble, for I have troubles just like everyone else. No, it isn’t an absence of troubles but an absence of WORRY about those troubles. It has taken quite some time and great deal of self-discipline, but I have finally figured out if I simply let go and let God, then I can dwell in peace while I do as He says and then wait for Him to move.

Learning that the outcome of every circumstance is in His hands has given me an amazing perspective on life. It does no good to rant and rail against the circumstance – nothing is accomplished except exasperation and increased stress levels. What works is prayer and listening to God; obeying what He tells us to do; and letting go of our worry beads.

God never moves in the time frame we want, but He is always on time. If we can simply learn to be patient and wait for what He will do rather than taking matters into our frail and incompetent hands, we can experience the best outcome in every situation.

God’s ways are not our ways – they are better! He is far smarter, wiser, kinder, and gentler than we could ever be. His solution for our situations is quite often something we simply never thought of. Our finite minds have very limited views and our selfishness often colors our options. But if we can just let go and let God . . . . Voila! Happy go lucky!

John 14:27   Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight