"Happy"

When you can’t find the happy,

And no matter what you do,

Life keeps getting crappy,

And you’re getting older, too.

And you wonder if you’ve missed it,

And it’s become too late,

And some will soon insist it,

That it’s even wrong to rate,

Your life and what it once was,

What used to be your dream,

What filled your heart with applause,

The crop that gave its cream.

And your old heart within you,

Sighs and wonders why,

One heartbeat and it’s all through,

Too sad to even cry.

But then a ray of sunshine,

The smile of God so sweet,

You wonder could it be mine,

And you hear His words repeat,

You are the child I died for,

You’re why I rose again,

Before you is the open door,

No matter where you’ve been.

I know your heart is broken,

I know you’ve fallen down,

But hear the words I’ve spoken,

They will bring you around.

You have been forgiven,

For every single thing,

Your name is there in heaven,

Beloved of the King.

You have the Holy Spirit,

Your faith is strong and true,

You never have to quit it,

I’ll show you what to do.

My smile that you’ve been after,

Is always there for you,

I’ll give you joyful laughter,

And all you need it’s true.

And when you need a someone,

To help you on the way,

I promise that I’ll send one,

And all will be okay.

So don’t let all you’re feeling,

Keep you down for long,

God can do the healing,

And give you a new song.

“Sing a new song to the Lord!” (Psalm 96:1, NLT)

When the Psalmist speaks of singing a “new song” to the Lord he is talking about telling the story of the new thing God has done for us. So what has God done for you lately? No, really. What story do you have to tell of God’s grace in your life? If you’re unaware of anything or if you’ve bogged down with problems and sadness, maybe it’s time to call on Him and hear Him reaffirm His love for you. Notice I didn’t say anything about you reaffirming your love for Him. No, I mean listening for the voice of the Spirit telling us the Lord has done, is doing, and will do everything we need to be happy. He really is, and it’s good to remember it. There is so much to remember, to hear once again, or maybe even for the first time. Don’t miss it.

Lord, give us a new song to sing, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Robert “Shoofly” Shufelt, used by permission. Thanks, Robert, and God bless you.