Are You Happy?

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”   –Matthew 5:11-12

Simple question: Are you happy? Countless passages in the Bible teach us that as Christians who have been saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we ought to rejoice! We ought to be glad, even when we are persecuted for Christ! So what are you facing now? Are you finding reasons to rejoice in it?

“…after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.  –Acts 5:40-41

Even after being flogged, the apostles rejoiced together that they were worthy to suffer for Christ. As Christians, we have every reason to be happy, and to be rejoicing in Jesus Christ. Yes, life can be hard. Yes, we go through times of difficulty. But even in times of greatest suffering, a smile will eventually find its way onto our face, because at the end of all the suffering, there is hope. After we have endured the difficulty, there is a home waiting for us, and that gives us a reason to be happy.

“Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”  –2 Corinthians 13:11

Together, as God’s people, we should rejoice. We are following God’s will for our lives. It’s not easy, but we are all working together toward the same goal, and that gives us a great deal of peace and comfort. We are journeying together. We are a family. We are God’s family, and we are happy because of all the blessings our Father showers on us, and because the load He has asked us to bear is light.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”   –Matthew 11:28–30

If you have been feeling a little less smiley these days, don’t let your troubles keep you down. Remember you serve a living God, and that you have a family of believers at your side, and remember to smile!