Lesson 31: Where's the Joy?
Kentucky Division Chaplain Chaltas

I have so many people; especially my students ask me, "Why are you always so happy?" Some that 'knew me back when' think, "He is such a phony; its got to be an act." They ask, "Where is the joy coming from?" I think that we chose to be happy and chose to be joyous. But where do I begin to express the sheer joy of life? Immediately my mind's eye envisioned Jesus and I smiled. For when it is all said and done, only the joy of knowing Christ as your personal Savior can fill the void with unconditional joy. A joy that makes me awaken in the morning singing, thankful for yet another day and wondering what wondrous things await me. A joy that makes me laugh at myself and allows me to be fully human. A joy that multiplies throughout the day and when it is time to close my eyes, a joy fills my soul as if it were a cool mountain brook flowing across my body, renewing my spirit. But this joy also sees me through when I am sad, alone and worried. This is the joy that sees me through sorrow as I face the tribulations that all must face. This is the joy of knowing that I will not be burdened more than I can bear and that He will send me The Great Comforter. "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." (John 14:18) You have God's Word on it! The Bible also tells states in Psalms 30:5 that, "Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning." The apostle James said in James 1:2-3: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Let us learn to rejoice in all things and offer our gracious God our thanks for the simple thing called life. As you recall, our beloved Stonewall Jackson, when told that he was going to die, stated that he always wanted to die on the Lord's Day. What faith, what joy, what love he had for his Master! He prayed in all things, gave thanks for all things and offered his life joyfully for what he believed. For he knew what Lee knew and countless others knew about their God. Nothing could separate them from the love of God once they accepted the truth, the joy, and the love of knowing a personal Savior. Nothing can separate you from the love of God except not accepting the gift of joy.

There are songs that sing of the joy and peace that is found in the acceptance of Christ. Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me brings chills of gratitude to this fielder's heart whenever it is offered up to our Morning Star. Oh what joy divine, when you are leaning on the everlasting arms and other hymns share with us the love of God. My friends, the gift of joy is as simple as asking Christ to come into your heart. Your fathers' fathers wrestled with the same quest for joy but in their day it was truly a matter of life or death. But in reality is it not STILL a matter of life or death? Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me. Just as you are He will refreshen you and during your darkest hour He will shine down His light of redemption and you will begin to realize the joy that passeth all understanding in your life. Be blessed this day as I remain Your Obedient Servant in Christ, The Old General