Happy As A Lark
Have you ever heard the term “happy as a lark?” I’m not sure how happy that would be, but some say it is happier than a dog with two tales. Either way, this age-old simile tags that bird as one happy chick. You see, larks are known for their untiring ability to sing cheerful songs from early morning until evening. Filling the air with music. Their happiness seems to be natural, effortless, and full of hope. Will you go out on a limb and relate to being “Happy as a lark?” I would like to think you have heard or used this phrase at some point in time to describe yourself or someone you know that was exuberant over achievements, possessions, or circumstances.
Happy Through Jesus
I realize these moments can be fleeting in a world of worries, anger, and despair. But Jesus wants us to learn from that lark as a living example of what joy can be found in the simple act of waking up to a new day (Psalm 118:24). Casting all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, at the foot of the cross (1 Peter 5:7). Furthermore, as you observe that lark you will realize that the Lord provides for its every need. Jesus promises that He will do the same for you (Matthew 6:25-34). When you can foster that kind of trust in our Lord, then you will be able to look beyond the external things in your life and rejoice in a relationship with Him that will bring peace to your heart (Philippians 4:4). Being able to find solace by singing through life’s difficulties (Psalm 27:5).
If you think about it… by starting each day happy as a lark, you will be able to embrace a deeper source of joy that exists, regardless of your circumstances. Yes, just as the lark greets each new day with song, we too can start each day with gratitude and hope. Trusting that God’s love will sustain us through every season (Psalm 55:22).
Happiness Through Song
My friends, there is much to learn from this bird. When we seek true joy, we will discover that it does not come from external situations or fleeting emotions. Instead, it springs from a heart that knows Jesus loves us and cares for us, even in moments of uncertainty. Like each lark, their moments of happiness seem to blossom from blessings the Lord has given them as they use song as a spirit of thankfulness. We can find this same joy as well; through each promise Jesus gives to us. Singing for joy to the Lord, the rock of our salvation (Psalm 95:1). So, the next time you see a lark, pause to enjoy its song. And let it serve as a reminder to celebrate life’s small wonders and approach each day with a heart open to gratitude. Shifting the focus from the world to the blessings right before our eyes. When we can do that, then we to will be happy as a lark.
Dear Lord, help me cultivate a deeper, lasting happiness, in You through song. Amen.
Psalm 118:24
1 Peter 5:7
Matthew 6:25-34
Philippians 4:4
Psalm 27:5
Psalm 55:22
Psalm 95:1
— Phil
If you like, check out these Daily Devotions
Today’s Scripture
Psalm 118:24
His Steadfast Love Endures Forever
24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
1 Peter 5:7
Shepherd the Flock of God
7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Matthew 6:25-34
Do Not Be Anxious
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Philippians 4:4
Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Psalm 27:5
The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation
5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
Psalm 55:22
Cast Your Burden on the Lord
22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 95:1
Let Us Sing Songs of Praise
1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!