You Can Understand What Happiness IS

HAPPINESS IS . . .
This is what the dictionary says Happiness IS – good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.
In the past I have thought happiness to be a passing emotion, but let’s look at the definitions here. “Good fortune” could be favor. A favorable outcome to some situation or circumstance in our lives. Prosperity in every area, right? Let’s look at “pleasure.” Try this on for size. One of the definitions of “pleasure” is the enjoyment or satisfaction derived from what is to one’s liking; gratification; delight. The Bible speaks of delight. God’s delight in us and our delight is to be in Him. “Contentment” is a word that the Apostle Paul used when speaking of his life of radical obedience. He said that he had been in abundance, and had been abased, yet was content with where ever God had him. You can see this cited in Philippians 4:12. Of course, we all know that it goes on to say that he could do all things through Christ who gave him strength. The dictionary defines “contentment” as the state of being satisfied; having ease of mind.

Let’s move on. We have all learned about the word “joy” in our Sunday School Classes since we were wee lads and lasses; as it was part of our formative training in basic Christianity. Strong’s Concordance reveals this about “joy.” The Lexicon lists the word as 1524 giyl gheel from 1523; a revolution (of time, i.e. an age); also joy – exceeding gladness, greatly rejoicing. I think I can safely say that joy might also be apart of our emotional state. I feel that it is for me, anyway. Gladness is defined as feeling joy or pleasure; delighted or pleased. Now, we are back to the word delighted. Delighted is one of my favorite words and I love the thought and revelation that Father is at any time, delighted or pleased with me. This is my heart. To please Him. The discussion here, is not whether happiness or joy is an act of the human will or instead, an emotion. I believe that they are both. My intention is not to provoke a doctrinal or theological debate over what is or is not acceptable by or through our human choices. Let’s leave it at that and go on. Shall we?

The above is a primer. Hopefully, a fresh insight into the word “happiness.” Remember the Strong’s listing, connecting the word “joy” to a revolution of time or an age? This is important. I want you to understand the aspect of “happiness,” so that I can speak to you for just a moment about music and the ages. You see, throughout the ages, music has had a strong influence upon society and culture. The whole world’s culture, in fact.

Take a look on Google at the top 100 songs that have affected, even changed history. Not just the music industry, but the political climate, social issues and cultural shifts. Music plays an intricate part in world issues; by inspiring people in how they react to life, to inter relational encounters, and to world issues.

SOUNDS OF AN ERA
In every era, there has been very significant music and lyrics, which have given wings to the corporate outlook of humanity with great impact. We may think that a catchy tune is simply one that luckily and by chance, has won notoriety. When in fact, the new sound is a response to a desire of the masses crying out for change. Specific messages and sounds are released into the earth at very specific times. Music connects us to our desires, our dreams and even our gifts at times, and so much more. This is why music has such am impact. I believe that Creator releases those specific and noted songs into the earth, through a chosen vessel for just the right time. An appointed time. Let’s look at the lyrics of Pharrell Williams’ Happy song. This is a very timely song.

(The first verse conveys a deep desire to receive a reprieve from difficult times. A care free condition with a reference to being weightless. Verse two depicts what we all deal with, the voice of negativity and adversity. That which causes worry, disturbance and pain. Haven’t we all been there lately? It’s been a really tough season and we’re all needing a break. A ray of sunshine, a release from the things that weigh us down. The next statement reflects a decision made. It’s a resolution in holding one’s own against negative onslaughts. The lines that carry the bridge, state the level of heights of resolution and positive choices. When we get to the hook line, the catchy irresistible declarations come! The words we are speaking to, and over ourselves. The pronouncement that “happiness” is not only an emotion, and condition that exudes gladness, but is a sense of truth to those who know and yearn for freedom. Any area and form of freedom. It speaks of a position that will break us out from under our ceilings of limitation! This is exactly what the generations living in this era need. We need to hear, sing and dance from a place of freedom! See lyrics below.)

A KNOWLEDGE OF LOVE
I firmly believe that “happiness” is the true knowledge of love. The knowledge that because we are loved, we are also protected, cared for, provided for. Isn’t this who Creator God is in our lives? Our “happiness”? Our nurturing, protection and provision? Doesn’t this depict the Shalom (all encompassing well being) of God in every way? My feelings, exactly! Which is why God released this exuberant and irresistible sound through Pharrell, for this time and this age. For you, for this generation! Because this is God’s heart for us. To KNOW and have the intimate KNOWLEDGE of His LOVE!

That is what takes us to levels “too high” for opposition to pull us down. The full, complete, and infusing knowledge of true love, of His love; is our strength, our motivation, our progression. For this time, this generation and this age; the word and the truth, is to walk in the happiness (the strength) that comes from His love. I declare a greater “knowledge” of His love to all the earth! It will cause a contagion through the masses to bring change that we hope for. To change the face of your surrounding atmosphere, society and culture. The change can begin within you. Ask for a greater “knowledge” of Creator’s love.

“Happy” lyrics by Pharrell Williams
(Released in 2013, Used in the movie sound track “Despicable Me 2”)
(Note: I did not repeat hook)
[Verse 1] It might seem crazy what I’m about to say
Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break
I’m a – hot air balloon that could go to space
With the air like I don’t care, baby, by the way

[Verse 2] Here comes bad news, talkin’ this and that
Well gimme all you got, and don’t hold it back
Well, I should probably warn you, I’ll be just fine
No offense to you, don’t waste your time, here’s why…
[Bridge] Bring me down… can’t nothing…
Bring me down… my level’s too high…
Bring me down… can’t nothing…
Bring me down, I said (let me tell you now)
Bring me down… can’t nothing…
Bring me down… my level’s too high…
[Hook x2] Because I’m happy…
Come along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do
Source: http://www.directlyrics.com/pharrell-happy-lyrics.html
Here is some information of Pharrell’s history. I heard him in an interview where he speaks of his humble upbringing and how music was what most influenced him.
Not bad for a song that was never supposed to be released as a single. Its history is a curious one and drips in serendipity, showing how something in an age of over-marketing can take on a life of its own and pull off the near impossible by appealing to people of all ages.
“Renowned for Sound’s” Huw Woodward said, “Happy is a rather… well… happy affair with a cheerful beat and exuberant vocal that would indicate that the former N.E.R.D singer is finding a lot of lighthearted fun to be had in both music and life. NERD was a band that Pharrell was in and the acronym stands for “No one Ever Really Dies.” )

1) See this interview where Pharrell speaks of the openness that he comes to when he is empty, having no ideas. It’s worth watching.

2) Overwhelmed by the promise that finally came. We all have promises on the way. This is a beautiful picture of the expression of what is in us, going viral, going out. The anointing creates favor.

3) Get past your religious judgment over the book he references (See plot), and see that there is something to this! His grandmothers prophesied his future success. This is the way it works!