O Happy Day (Click title to play. Click exit arrow at top of page to return to blog. )

Lyrics: “He taught me how to watch and fight and pray…fight and pray. And live rejoicing every day…every day!” O Happy Day.

The original lyricist composer of the song featured in this blog was named Philip Doddridge. He was the twentieth sibling born to his parents in London on June 26, 1702. Due to his frail health conditions, he moved to Lisbon, Portugal. In 1751 he died from tuberculosis at the age of 49.

Have you ever wondered who some of the most famous gospel song writers were. Or what life-events inspired lyricists and poetic writers to set words to melodies? Well, during Philip’s adult years, he served as an English Nonconformist minister. Philip credited his saintly Dutch mother for planting a marked Christian foundation in his spirit filled life. The stories she related to Philip helped him develop a foundation that prepared him to become useful to the Savior.

My question for you…

Are the decisions that you make in life reassuring that they compliment the agenda the Almighty has for your life? Have you not heard recited “Only what you do for Christ will last?” I have heard it recited so often. I actually thought it was a direct quote from a chapter in the Bible. Not so! This phrase is only a reference to 2 Corinthians 7:1: “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (NIV)

It should be noted that Philip Doddridge did not write the famous chorus for his original poem “O Happy Day”. The famous chorus was only added by an unknown writer over one hundred years later after Philip’s death.

(Confidently, I often wonder will any of my blogs be around for future generations to read after I bid adieu.)

Below are two stanzas of this marvelous poem written by Philip Doddridge.

O happy day that fixed my choice,
On thee, my Savior and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.

Now rest, my long divided heart.
Fixed on this blissful center, rest;
Nor ever from my Lord depart,
With Him of ev'ry good possessed.

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