HAPPINESS IS THE LORD

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1977

“Happiness Is the Lord” is a popular Christian children’s chorus that became especially well known in American evangelical churches during the 1970s and 1980s.

Here’s a concise history of the hymn:

Origins (1970s)

The song was written by Ira F. Stanphill, a prominent gospel songwriter, evangelist, and musician associated with mid-20th-century revival movements in the United States.

Stanphill was known for writing simple, memorable gospel songs with strong theological clarity. “Happiness Is the Lord” was composed as a short chorus intended for congregational singing, particularly suited for:

  • Children’s church

  • Vacation Bible School (VBS)

  • Sunday school

  • Evangelistic meetings

Its repetitive, easy-to-learn structure made it ideal for group participation.

Theological Theme

The song emphasizes that true happiness is found not in circumstances, but in:

  • Knowing Jesus

  • Trusting Him

  • Serving Him

The central lyric expresses evangelical theology clearly:

“Happiness is the Lord…”

It reflects themes found in Psalms and New Testament teachings about joy in Christ.

Popularity and Spread

The hymn gained traction through:

  • Revival meetings

  • Children’s ministry programs

  • Gospel songbooks

  • Recordings by Southern gospel artists

It became especially common in Baptist and independent evangelical churches across the United States.

While not included in many traditional denominational hymnals, it became a staple in informal worship settings and children’s ministry materials.

Musical Style

  • Simple 4/4 rhythm

  • Repetitive chorus format

  • Easily adaptable for hand motions (often used with children)

  • Typically performed in a bright major key

Its musical accessibility helped it spread quickly in church settings without the need for printed music.

Legacy

Though not as widely used in modern contemporary worship services, “Happiness Is the Lord” remains familiar to many who grew up in church in the 1970s–1990s. It continues to appear in:

  • Children’s ministry programs

  • Christian camps

  • Traditional evangelical gatherings

It represents a style of mid-20th-century American gospel songwriting focused on clarity, memorability, and evangelistic purpose.

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