We used the title "Don't Worry! Be Happy!" for the bible study of Phillippians. When I asked the women at the study what they were expecting, two or three said, "I came because of the title." I first used this title after hearing the song by Bobby Mcferren.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjnvSQuv-H4 If this video combined with the picture above of our kids and their hair in 1989 doesn't make you smile, you're in a bad way. Note the contrast between the West Point cut and the super lacquered upsweep!
I know, I know, we don't like to talk about happiness for Christians, it seems greedy or giddy or something. And no, we shouldn't be rolling on the floor in fake laughter. But Spurgeon was right when he said, "Our God is a happy God and he is a happy making God." And happiness can be learned – Paul says, "I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content."
Spurgeon comments on Psalm 100: 1-2: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. "The original word signifies a glad shout, such as loyal subjects give when their king appears among them. Our happy God should be worshipped by a happy people; a cheerful spirit is in keeping with his nature, his acts, and the gratitude which we should cherish for his mercies - Serve the LORD with gladness. 'Glad homage pay with awful mirth.' He is our Lord, and therefore he is to be served; he is our gracious Lord, and therefore to be served with joy. The invitation to worship here given is not a melancholy one, as though adoration were a funeral solemnity, but a cheery gladsome exhortation, as though we were bidden to a marriage feast. Come before his presence with singing."
Spurgeon comments on Psalm 100: 1-2: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. "The original word signifies a glad shout, such as loyal subjects give when their king appears among them. Our happy God should be worshipped by a happy people; a cheerful spirit is in keeping with his nature, his acts, and the gratitude which we should cherish for his mercies - Serve the LORD with gladness. 'Glad homage pay with awful mirth.' He is our Lord, and therefore he is to be served; he is our gracious Lord, and therefore to be served with joy. The invitation to worship here given is not a melancholy one, as though adoration were a funeral solemnity, but a cheery gladsome exhortation, as though we were bidden to a marriage feast. Come before his presence with singing."
So I say to all the daughters of song - in spite of the cheerios on the floor, the son who just told you he wants to be a clown when he grows up (not only told you but told his Sunday school teacher) when you were hoping for missionary/pastor/president of the US), the boss who is too demanding, the fears and frets that assail you, the studies that seem never ending, - come on, learn to be happy, shout out with joy!
3 comments:
Mom,
I probably won't hear the end of it for that hairdo. Why dost thou torture thy middle son with the angst of his youth?
You're the one who described it from the pulpit!
i think that was the hairstyle that made me first fall for adam. i had good taste even as a seven year old.
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