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READ: NEHEMIAH 8:8-12; PSALMS 16:9-11; 68:3-6\n\n\n\nSome of us have grown up thinking that Christians are meant to be serious all of the time. It\u2019s like we see a group of people having fun and laughing loudly and we think, \u201cNo, that\u2019s not for us.\u201d Some people are even hesitant to become Christians because they\u2019re 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\u2019t say Christians aren\u2019t supposed to be happy. Instead, the Bible talks about joy and even happiness coming to those who follow God!\n\n\n\nFor example, Psalm 68:3 says, \u201cMay the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.\u201d 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).\n\n\n\nSo, why shouldn\u2019t 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\u2019s 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.\n\n\n\nHard times will come, and we will have days when we feel down about all that we are facing, but we don\u2019t 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\u2019t have to live our days acting completely serious and somber. Our faith is not a burden that is weighing us down. It\u2019s a wonderful gift! When we know Jesus, we \u201care filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy\u201d (1 Peter 1:8). \u2022 Emily Acker\n\n\n\n\u2022 Do you ever feel like God doesn\u2019t want you to be happy? Why do you think that is?\n\n\n\n\u2022 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\u2014like your favorite foods, favorite music, favorite places, etc.? Consider taking a moment to thank God for these things!\n\n\n\n\u2022 If you feel like God may be calling you to give up something because it\u2019s 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?\n\n\n\nBut may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Psalm 68:3 (NIV)