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Along Life’s Way
Get Happy!
By Lois E. Wilson
I recently heard a sermon on the topic of happiness and joy. The
particular denomination believes that happiness depends upon
circumstances. It can come and go because circumstances
change—therefore, happiness is fleeting. It believes a deep personal,
eternal relationship with God produces the spiritual gift of
overflowing joy within us. God lives in us—through us, He provides
guidance and answers prayers. God controls our circumstances; His joy
is everlasting and good.
I researched the word,” happy” in a concordance for the King James
Version of the Bible. There were 24 citations for “happy.” The Bible
has been translated into more modern versions. The examples below show
the evolution of a phrase from Job 5:17.
Published in 1611, King James Version (KJV), “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth…”
Published 1973, New International Version (NIV). All but four of
the concordance “happy” citations were changed usually to the word
“blessed.” For example, “Blessed is the man whom God corrects…”
The (TNIV) Today’s New International Version from 2005 states, “Blessed are those whom God corrects…”
The neutral-gender advocates will be happy at the elimination of the
word “man.” How did the word “happy” get changed in so many Bible
passages?” When scholars translated manuscripts from Arabic, Latin,
Hebrew and Greek, words in each language had nuances of meaning on
which they had to agree for inclusion in their version. They also had
their own beliefs and goals.
The use of “happy” may be disappearing in the Bible, but the pursuit of
happiness is still desirable. As Helen Keller said, “No matter how
dull, or how mean, or how wise a man is, he feels that happiness is his
indisputable right.” Lesage wrote, “I am happy and content because I
think I am.”
I like the word “happy.” My lips usually make a small smile when I say
it aloud. It is used when we wish others “Happy New Year” and “Happy
Birthday.” I enjoy singing “If you’re happy and you know it—clap your
hands.” And of course, the lyrics quoted below say it best for me:
“Forget your troubles and just get happy.
Ya better chase all your cares away.
Sing Hallelujah, c'mon get happy
Get ready for the judgment day.”
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