There are a lot of people who, when they hear the words God, religion, church, or Christian, immediately think boring, party-poopers, duty, guilt, killjoys, rules, restrictions, misery, and negative. Throughout history, I suppose, there are some Christians who have given that impression. Someone once described Puritans as living in the haunting fear that someone somewhere might be happy. There is a time to mourn but there is also a time to celebrate. Philippians 4:4 says, “Always be full of joy and rejoice.” Jesus said in John 15:11, “I said these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” Proverbs 30:5 says, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 100:1, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord.” So laugh, sing, dance, and rejoice in the Lord. Celebrate the gifts that God has given you. The Lord has sprinkled the water of baptism over my head and your head and has declared, “Born a sinner, raised a sinner, but now forgiven and free children of God.” You are saved, heaven bound. How can you be grumpy, dark, and boring? Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Things may happen along the way that are difficult, but you can make it through. Weeping only lasts for the night, but joy always comes in the morning. Don’t go through this life moaning, groaning, gloomy, guilt-ridden, sorrow-filled, and wait until heaven to rejoice. NO! Rejoice and be glad today. Wise are those who know that.
– Dr. Tim Thompson