READ: NEHEMIAH 8:8-12; PSALMS 16:9-11; 68:3-6

Some of us have grown up thinking that Christians are meant to be serious all of the time. It’s like we see a group of people having fun and laughing loudly and we think, “No, that’s not for us.” Some people are even hesitant to become Christians because they’re worried about all they would have to give up. They might wonder whether or not they would ever be allowed to be happy again. But the Bible doesn’t say Christians aren’t supposed to be happy. Instead, the Bible talks about joy and even happiness coming to those who follow God!

For example, Psalm 68:3 says, “May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.” Who are the righteous? Well, apart from God, none of us are righteous, or sinless. But Jesus died on the cross for us and rose from the grave so we could be counted righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

So, why shouldn’t we be happy? We have a God who loves us, who delights in us, and who is watching over us. As Christians, we have been saved from sin and death, and nothing will ever separate us from God’s love. And we have hope that one day Jesus will return to renew heaven and earth. We are going to live with Him forever in the most beautiful and perfect place.

Hard times will come, and we will have days when we feel down about all that we are facing, but we don’t have to stay that way. When we start to feel happy again, we can lean into that. We can rejoice. We can have a good time! We don’t have to live our days acting completely serious and somber. Our faith is not a burden that is weighing us down. It’s a wonderful gift! When we know Jesus, we “are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8). • Emily Acker

• Do you ever feel like God doesn’t want you to be happy? Why do you think that is?

• God delights in His creation, and He invites us to delight with Him in all He has made! What are some of the things that make you happy—like your favorite foods, favorite music, favorite places, etc.? Consider taking a moment to thank God for these things!

• If you feel like God may be calling you to give up something because it’s getting in the way of the abundant life He has for you (John 10:10), who is a trusted Christian mentor you could talk to about it?

But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Psalm 68:3 (NIV)