A Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day?

The song Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah which heralds wonderful feelings and beautiful sunshine remains the soundtrack for Br’er Rabbit and the gang as they sing while you float down a log flume ride. Setting aside the controversy over the use of the song on this ride [1], I want to address the ideas behind the lyrics of the song. For millions and millions of Disney Parks visitors, they are completely unaware of the controversy, certainly I was one of them until the past eighteen months. For most people, they ride the ride, listen to the song, and rehearse it in their minds for the entire day. Implicit in the song is the idea of having a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah day.

What is a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day?

The term “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” represents an exclamation of happiness. In the lyrics of the song below, you will see the discussion of the “bluebird on my shoulder” which connects the bluebird with the feelings of extreme happiness.[2] In fact, the bluebird is the symbol for happiness. Notice the lyrics below:

Simple words and simple idea. Wonderful feelings, plenty of sunshine, a wonderful day.

A Christian’s Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day

As I listened to the music and walked away having fun with the family from the ride, I thought about many Christians I know – me included at times and on certain days.

Who doesn’t want a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah day? It seems great to me to skip down the road of life, laughing, enjoying the scenery – and the bluebird on the shoulder, and having wonderful feelings.

In fact, I wonder if sometimes the ideal Christian is portrayed this way? Is the Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah day the implicit goal of each Christian?

When one goes through heartache and pain, experiences suffering, or just observes the world around him or her, do some Christians explicitly or implicitly suggest that a Christian should just be able to smile, skip, sing, and keep moving?

I particularly think so. My guess is this comes from hearing key texts and seeking to apply them.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,… (James 1:2)

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess 5:16-18)

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (Phil 4:4)

As Christians hear these verses, if we are not very careful, we develop an implicit or functional theology which states, “No matter what you are going through, wear a smile, and act like it is not happening.” Or, in other words, have a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah day regardless of your circumstances.

The Real Goal – Balance

Regardless, the real goal in life is to take it as it comes. Solomon helps us see the balance.

Consider the work of God;
For who can make straight what He has made crooked?
In the day of prosperity be joyful,
But in the day of adversity consider:
Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other,
So that man can find out nothing that will come after him. (Eccl 7:13-14)

When it is a day where things seem prosperous, then rejoice. Be joyful.

When it is a day of adversity, then consider. Contemplate on the character of God, the covenant-faithfulness of God, and the plan of God. Consider even why God allows tough days and what His goals are in them for you as His child.

Two Final Thoughts…

First, as a Christ follower, you should not make a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah day your goal.

Second, as a Christ-follower, you should not think that when you are going through trials or suffering that God expects you to respond to them as if it were a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah day.

And as far as other Christians go, don’t worry about how they think you should do. If they perceive you should handle it in a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah day fashion, just recognize that this functional theology festers easily in our hearts as they seek to engage the Bible, culture, and what they have heard taught.

Image Credit Andre Hunter