O! Happy Day!

Philip Doddridge was the youngest of twenty children. Born on this day in London in 1702, he was so sick as a child that it was feared he would not live. Although continuing to battle illness throughout his life, he became a pastor and also wrote more than 370 hymns.

One hymn, published posthumously in 1755, told about a day when his life was changed, the day when he became a Christian. As he remembered that day, and what Jesus had done for Him, he could not contain his joy.

He wrote, “O happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away! He taught me how to watch and pray, and live rejoicing every day.” He was filled with joy because he realized that he belonged to God. “He drew me, and I followed on; charmed to confess the voice divine.” But He knew that he needed to renew that vow every day “till in life’s latest hour I bow and bless in death a bond so dear.”

Salvation is an unforgettable experience. What joy fills our hearts when we are cleansed and accepted, when our sins are forgiven! We see this reaction when the Philippian jailer believed on and was saved. The Bible conveys that same joy when salvation came to prostitutes and tax collectors, men and women, Jews and Gentiles. It is a moment of indescribable joy for all who believe.

What was it like when you became a Christian? Was it a happy day? Do you remember what it was like to have your sins forgiven? To be clean in God’s sight? To be freed from all guilt and worry? To have real peace?

If you have experienced real salvation, celebrate anew! Stop, and be grateful. And dedicate yourself to bringing this Good News to others.