From time to time I find gospel and listen to it – my “happy” music. My husband says that Bluegrass makes him happy. I think my “happy music” is definitely gospel. We are not talking Bill Gaither either.
I have been pondering all things joy lately and the refrain from “O Happy Day” has been running through my head. So, I searched and found my “happy” music again. And yes, “O Happy Day” it was!
Why are so many Christians reserved in their praising God? I believe it is fear and unbelief. Fear that, well, maybe God is not going to be there for me when I need Him or maybe He is going to cause more pain in my life. So, I am entering these waters very cautiously, there might be sharks… Unbelief, in the way we are unwilling to wait and trust Him. But, my brothers and sisters, every day should be a “happy” day for us! We can be honest with our pain and sorrow, and with our thankfulness and joy as well.
But… whatever would they think of me? Who? God? Isn’t it Him that we are praising and thanking? Will you be looking around to see what others are doing or how they are reacting when we are surrounding the throne in Heaven and falling at the feet of our Savior? Do we not know where we are headed?
One of my favorite “worshippers” cannot keep a beat nor can she play an instrument very well. She has epilepsy and she fights this condition every day, sometimes every hour. She has restrictions on her life many of us would not be able to handle. But… she praises God from her heart. I think she could “get down” in a cardboard box while tapping a plastic spoon. She has taught me a lot. Like Paul says,”For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
Edward Hawkins, the arranger of the popular “O Happy Day” says, “The Bible says, ‘Be anxious for nothing,’ but because we are human we make mistakes and God knows. He’s aware of all that we are going to do and what we are not going to do. Sometimes He allows us to go through some things even though we might make the wrong decision and it might take years to straighten out. But God knows and He will stick with us throughout it all. Even through the bad times, He’ll stick with us.”
This song, “O Happy Day” was taken from an old Baptist hymn written by Phillip Doddridge, who died in 1751. He was not supposed to live. He was the 19th of 20 children that his mother Monica birthed. Phillip was the first that lived past birth. Phillip was orphaned at a young age and was frail throughout his life. He had no money and no family, only God and prayer. This is the hymn that he penned that inspired Edward Hawkins:
O Happy Day
O happy day, that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Savior and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.
Refrain:
Happy day, happy day, when
Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray,
and live rejoicing every day
Happy day, happy day, when
Jesus washed my sins away.
O happy bond, that seals my vows
To Him Who merits all my love!
Let cheerful anthems fill His house,
While to that sacred shrine I move.
'Tis done: the great transaction's done!
I am the Lord's and He is mine;
He drew me, and I followed on;
Charmed to confess the voice divine.
Now rest, my long divided heart,
Fixed on this blissful center, rest.
Here have I found a nobler part;
Here heavenly pleasures fill my breast.
High heaven, that heard the solemn vow,
That vow renewed shall daily hear,
Till in life's latest hour I bow
And bless in death a bond so dear.
I will leave you with a gospel song that always makes my heart rejoice. And Kristen, make sure you save me a spot next to you at the throne room one day. I want to see you praising your God with perfect vision, no more tremors or seizures, and impeccable rhythm. So, come and go with me…
~Your Fellow Sojourner
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