Don’t Worry—Pray Happy: 4 Tips On Choosing Prayer

Big Mouth Billy Bass & Choosing Prayer

Don’t Worry—Pray Happy

If I mention “Big Mouth Billy Bass,” does that ring a bell? (see photo below) Back in the late ’90s, this animatronic singing fish became a household craze.

To be completely honest, I thought this singing fish was hilarious. I never actually owned one, but whenever I saw him at Walmart, I just couldn’t resist hitting that “try me” button. Cue the catchy clip from Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”

It’s a memorable tune, for sure—but I think we can upgrade its message. The fish was right,, we shouldn’t worry, but there’s something even more powerful we can do instead: pray.

Let’s be real, worry is something that rears its ugly head often. It can lead to fear, doubt, and even anxiety. I once heard someone describe our nation as the United States of Anxiety. Worry is prevalent in our culture.

But as a Christian, I can have hope that God is bigger than my fears or worries. So my job is to put myself in alignment with his will and plan. He is greater than my worries.

One of our family’s go-to verses for times of worry is Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT):

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

The Big Mouth Billy Bass song nails the first part: no need to worry, and yes, we want to be happy.

Here are four thoughts on refuting worry and choosing prayer instead:

1. Worry Is Unproductive; Prayer Is Powerful

• Reason: Worry drains our energy but changes nothing. Prayer invites God’s power into our situation. Worry is like a rocking chair—it keeps you moving, but you’re not getting anywhere. Prayer, on the other hand, moves the heart of God.

• Thought: “Pray about everything.” Prayer isn’t our last resort; it’s our first response.

• Tip: When worry creeps in, stop and turn those thoughts into a prayer.

2. Prayer Aligns Us with God’s Purpose

• Reason: Prayer shifts our focus from the problem to our Provider. “Tell God what you need.” We acknowledge God is in control and able to meet our needs.

• Tip: Think of prayer like handing a heavy backpack to someone stronger—once you release it, you feel light and free. Every need you name before God is an opportunity for Him to show you He’s more than enough.

3. Gratitude Fuels Faith and Dispels Anxiety

• Reason: Thanking God for what He has already done reminds us of His faithfulness, which builds our faith for what’s ahead. “Thank Him for all He has done.” Gratitude shifts our hearts from worrying about what we lack to celebrating God’s goodness. It is not happy people who are thankful; it is thankful people who are happy.

• Tip: Keep a gratitude journal. When worry strikes, flip through to see how God has provided before—and remember He can do it again.

4. Prayer Brings Supernatural Peace

• Reason: Worry causes chaos in our hearts and minds, but prayer invites God’s peace. “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” This peace isn’t tied to our circumstances; it’s anchored in God’s unchanging nature.

• Tip: Rest in God’s promise that His peace will stand guard when you choose prayer over panic. Peace isn’t the absence of difficulty—it’s the presence of God.

Putting It All Together

Worry is leaning into the natural, but prayer is supernatural. Philippians 4:6–7 invites us to let go of anxiety and lean into the power, provision, gratitude, and peace that prayer offers. When we pray, we choose faith over fear—letting God handle what we can’t.

Don’t let the phrase found in that catchy tune be your only guide. Step into the deeper reality of prayer, and you’ll find the kind of peace that surpasses human understanding.

Maybe I will finally purchase a BIG MOUTH BILLY BASS… Or maybe I will just pray more instead-

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Scripture: Philippians 4:6–7
Prayer:
God, help me refute worry and choose a life of persistent prayer. I commit my needs and concerns to You, trusting You fully in every circumstance. Amen.