Each morning at VCCA I say to the students, “Remember, this is the day that the Lord hath made…” and they respond, “We will rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24). One of the reasons this scripture is included in our morning liturgical routine is the important reminder we all need to be thankful, joyful, to be happy. This theme flows through the OT Scripture into the NT Scriptures where we read, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4).
In 1988 the Grammy Award Song of the Year was, Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin. The song and music video are light hearted, a little silly in contrast to the all-consuming joy Jesus teaches about in this parable.
“The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”
– Matthew 13:44
In Don’t Worry Be Happy, the lyrics communicate not worrying but rather being happy even when you can’t pay your rent, you have no money, no gal to make you smile. So, despite lack in different areas of life, the song is saying don’t worry be happy because this lack is temporary, things will get better, this down time will soon pass and worrying doesn’t make things better. In contrast the Christian shouldn’t worry, but rather rejoice always because Jesus has him and he has Jesus. The Christian can be happy because all his sins have been washed away, and because he has been adopted into the family of God. The Christian doesn’t need to worry because he can bring everything to his heavenly Father who is sovereignly working all things for His glory and our good. Don’t worry, be happy!
