“If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands”

I’m sure you remember the song. We sang it as preschoolers, taught it to our children and now, or someday will, have the opportunity to share it with our grandchildren.  

When a child sings this well-known song, their happiness and joy are contagious as we watch their little hands that are just learning to clap, or see their feet that are new to walking, now stomping with excitement, or watch the delight on their little faces as they raise their hands and shout AMEN!

The message of expressing joy and happiness in this simple song aligns with a vital Biblical principle. Psalm 47:1 says, “Clap your hands all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.”

What is there to be joyful about, you might ask? The world is a mess. Times are uncertain. Life is difficult. Where can we find happiness and joy, when everywhere we look there is pain and suffering?

Psalms 16:11 says, “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Later in Psalms 146:5, we read, “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”  Philippians 4:4-5 instructs us to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice…the Lord is near.” 

Circumstances may not bring joy, but God’s presence does. Lasting happiness will not be found in others, but can be found when we trust in God. At all times, through all seasons, we can rejoice knowing that God is there too.

Lord, teach us to look beyond our circumstances. Remind us that happiness and joy are found in You. Guide us to seek Your presence and rejoice. Fill us with You so that, like the children, we can truly be happy and clap our hands!