1 Timothy 6:15–16 (NLT) 15 For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen. The God of the Bible is happy. Psalm 104:31 (NLT) May the glory of the Lord continue forever! The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made! Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Galatians 5:22 (NLT) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 1 Timothy 1:11 (NLT) …that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God. Luke 3:22 (NLT) …and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Luke 10:21 (NLT) 21 At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way. He ushers disciples into his forever happiness. Matthew 25:21 (ESV) His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Psalm 16:11 (NLT) You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. He experiences heartache & happiness . Hebrews 12:2 (NLT) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. He made to be joyful, happy creatures, in the image of your joyful, happy God. WHAT NOW ? Access God’s joy even while your heart . 2 Corinthians 6:10 (NLT) Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. What’s your reaction to the idea that the God of the Bible is supremely happy? 2. Can you recall a period in your life when you experienced the deepest happiness (or UNhappiness) and describe where is/was it coming from? 3. What could you do to access God’s joy even while your heart aches?