Don’t Worry, Be Happy
I believe that people want to be happy. Having said that, some find it difficult to be happy. Psychologists often call that difficulty depression and tell us that it can be hard to overcome. Life’s issues can make it difficult to be happy. Occasionally we might receive counsel: “life’s not that bad” or “just get over it”. Sometimes a song will pull us in to momentary happiness.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy.

Bobby McFerrin released his hit song in July of 1988.
Here’s a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don’t worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don’t worry, be happy
That’s easier said than done, Mr. McFerrin. Don’t you live in the real world?

More recently, in 2014, Pharrell Williams released “Happy”. It was number 1 on the charts for a long time. My grandchildren love to sing it at total volume.
Here come bad news, talking this and that
Well, give me all you got, and don’t hold it back
Well, I should probably warn you I’ll be just fine
No offense to you, don’t waste your time
Here’s why
Because I’m happy . . .

Once again, another feel-good song.

Perhaps my favorite happiness song was adapted by Edwin Hawking in 1967. It’s a gospel arrangement of the
18th century hymn, “O Happy Day!” (#532 in our hymnal).

Oh, happy day; Oh, happy day
When Jesus washed, Oh, when He washed
When Jesus washed, He washed my sins away
Oh, happy day
He taught me how
To watch and pray
And live rejoicing every day
Oh, happy day, Oh, happy day
When Jesus washed
He washed my sins away

True happiness is found in Jesus. He taught us not to worry (see Matthew 6:25-34), but to have joy in life. Jesus said, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11).  Having Jesus in our lives can produce a happiness that is firm and enduring; it becomes part of who we are. That’s the happiness that God wants for us. Don’t worry, be happy!

Pastor Steve