I’m Happy Because…

[ending our exploration of Romans 12, with verse 12, on the 12th]

It might seem crazy what I’m about to say, sunshine she’s here, you can take away; I’m a hot air balloon, I could go to space, with the air, like I don’t care, baby by the way. Because… Well if you don’t recognise or know how to finish that sentence, you must’ve been living under a rock…

Of course, those are the opening lyrics from Pharrell Williams’ track ‘Happy’. Originally written for Despicable Me 2, the track shot to number one around the world and stayed there for a loooong time. You’re probably still completely sick of hearing it – but I bet you can’t help by sing along when you do. OK, it contains a few lines which don’t really make much sense (see opening paragraph), like ‘clap along if you feel like a room without a roof’. But what it lacks in substance and depth it more than makes up for in catchiness. But it does contain the line ‘clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth’. Which brings us onto our final verse from Romans 12:

‘Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time.’ – Romans 12:12 ERV

A couple of weeks ago we talked about the hope we have being an anchor and that when storms & tough times hit, it will hold us steady. It won’t keep us from being knocked around, but at least we’ll know where we are when the storm has passed. Verse 12 in Romans 12 says we should be happy (Pharrell Williams would be so proud) because of the hope that we have, but it goes on to acknowledge that life will be tough at times. Note that in the version above it says ‘when’ trouble comes, not ‘if’. But when trouble comes, be patient, relying on hope as your anchor. Be happy. Be patient. And pray all the time. Don’t just pray when you want or need something. Don’t just pray when trouble comes. But pray at all times.

Reflect:
– how can I let my face show the happiness that hope brings me?
– am I prepared for when trouble comes? prepared enough to stay strong with patience?
– how much time did I spend today not praying?
– how can I make better use of my ‘spare’ moments?

Note:
Today’s reflection is a little shorter & lighter than usual. That’s because tomorrow is Sunday and we don’t usually do reflections on Sundays – but tomorrow we will because it’s the start of Holy Week. So today’s ‘light’ reflection is your day off ;o)