Anyone who says Christianity makes people miserable doesn't understand it at all. How could it make us miserable when it lifts us so high? It makes us children of God. Do you think God gives joy only to His enemies and keeps sorrow for His family?

Would His enemies find happiness while His children suffer in sadness? Should those without Christ claim happiness while we, His children, act as if we're poor beggars? No, we'll always rejoice in the Lord and celebrate our inheritance, for we've received the spirit of adoption and can call God our Father. Yes, we may face discipline, but it brings righteousness, and with the Holy Spirit's help, we, the "people saved by the Lord," will find joy in God our Savior. We're united with Christ; would our Bridegroom let us suffer constantly?

We're deeply connected to Him. Though we might suffer like He did, we're blessed now with heavenly gifts. We have a glimpse of our inheritance in the Spirit's comfort. Inheritors of everlasting joy, we get a taste of our future. Light of joy shines now, pointing to our eternal dawn. Our true wealth lies beyond, our lasting city stands across the river, and glimpses of glory inspire us forward. Truly, it is said, "Happy are you, O Israel; who is like you, O people saved by the Lord?"