If You’re Happy and You Know it
Each weekday morning the children in our Pre-K 3 class line up outside our classroom door and I lead them in this song. You may be familiar with the words.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap, clap)
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap, clap)
If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap, clap).
We go on to the next verses that include stomping our feet, shouting hooray and then doing all three. By the time we’re finished singing, most of the children are smiling. It’s a fun way to start our day.
I was thinking about this as I thought about my walk of faith. When I consider who I am in Christ and what my future holds, I can’t help but clap my hands. Maybe I need to remind myself of this each morning.
A few years ago, I purchased a poster from Freedom in Christ Ministries. It was so helpful in reminding me.
As a Christian, I am:
- Accepted
- Secure
- Significant
In this world, I may be experiencing many challenges. After all, I’m not promised health, wealth and prosperity as some may claim. Jesus warned His disciples in John 16 of the troubles they would face after He departed to be with His Father. But He assured them He wouldn’t leave them alone. He spoke of the coming Holy Spirit; the Spirit of Truth who would guide them.
John 16:33 (NIV) says:
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Sometimes I need to stop and remind myself of all I have in my relationship with Jesus. Here are only a few:
- I am a child of God. John 1:12
- I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:18
- I am a citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20
- I can find grace and mercy in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
- I am God’s workmanship. Ephesians 2:10
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
When I begin to take this into my heart, I want to shout and clap my hands. I may not always be happy but I certainly can have joy. I’m not suggesting we deny or ignore the issues we face in this life, but I am suggesting we remind ourselves of who we are in Christ.
How about you? Will you take a moment to focus and recognize all you have in your relationship with Christ? Don’t allow the enemy to steal your joy.
Blessings and love,
So true,Debbie!! Sometimes we need reminders of who we are and what we have in Jesus. Thank you for sharing with us!
Yes Heather, I think we do! Thanks for your thoughts.
Oh, how I appreciate these verses. Thank you for the reminder!
Such a wonderful post.
Such wise words, such a timely reminder. At an age where I thought I would have it all figured out, would be going on trips with my husband and working in my garden, having wonderful lunches and relaxing evenings, I find that it is not at all that way. Mostly it just takes me longer to do things, and often my body aches when I’m finished. But glory to God, He has given me the joy of my salvation, the hope of His coming, and the promise of a better future than I could have ever imagined. I’m counting on that!
Oh Helen, I thought both of us imagined something different at this time in our lives. But we know the end of the story and we’re on the winning side. One day we will look back and wonder why we got so upset about things. We will be with Jesus and all will be right.
Oh so true, Debbie. We will have challenges this side of heaven, but Jesus surely put the joy in my heart.