One of the most enjoyable occasions I can remember for a long time was attending the recent wedding of a good friend. Hundreds of friends and family came together to celebrate; we ate, drank, danced, talked and laughed for hours.

Yet, among us all, none showed more sheer joy than the new bride and groom. It seemed that happiness was just flowing out of them. They were thrilled to see each person who came to celebrate, but much more than that: They were absolutely delighted with each other!

There is a statement in the Bible that connects the happiness of a bride and groom on their wedding day with God in a way that may seem surprising to many. In the words of the prophet Isaiah, "…as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you" (chapter 62:5).

Really?! We're talking about the God who does not tolerate sin, who gave the Ten Commandments with all its "thou shalt nots." Could He be THAT happy about you or about me?

Yes, it's true. The Great Creator and Ruler of the universe wants to spend time with us. He will be so happy to be with us that He says it will make Him as happy as a bride and groom are at their wedding—and that is very, very happy!

If you're like me, you don't go to weddings all that often, so this analogy may not immediately mean a lot to you. If so, then think about whatever good activity you really like doing. It could be playing tennis, hanging out with fine friends, listening to music or whatever.

Volunteering at our church's United Youth Camps program each year is one of my favorite things to do. As a counselor I sometimes ask the teens what they really like about camp. Their answers range from playing sports, to meeting members of the opposite sex, to experiencing the beauty of the outdoors. At that point I remind them that camp purposely includes all those things—along with a number of camp rules that they don't always love. Rules and restrictions help us to do things God's way, but it is worth remembering that the fun activities are just as much a part of living God's way.

Imagine: God really wants boys to get together and play basketball. He doesn't just tolerate it. He probably even likes to watch! God's law sets definite boundaries for conduct between the sexes, but He certainly wants teenage guys and girls to meet and spend time together. In fact, He wants all of us to eventually experience that joy of a bride and groom mentioned above.

This does not mean that we should just do whatever feels good and not worry about obeying the law. The point is that God made the things that are within His law of love that feel good too. The same One who puts some things off limits is also the One who created every happy experience. And like a bride and groom, He can't wait for the celebration to begin!

Jesus Christ will soon return to this earth to bring true peace and happiness for 1,000 years and more. To learn more about that time of celebration, read What Will the Kingdom of God Mean for You? VT