It is my “sad week”. I always get very emotional and sad the week(s) before the anniversary of my precious Josiah Thomas‘ early graduation to Glory. On Monday, March 8, 2010, it will mark 10 years since that day that changed our lives and helped to mold us into the people we are today because of God’s mercy and lovingkindness. It has been 10 years, but the memories are like it was yesterday. I can still remember the panic and disbelief as I started to go into labor and could not get a hold of my husband or my best friend. I can still remember standing in our living room with my husband as the ambulance was waiting to take me and tears of pain and fear flowed down my face. I can still remember only being in the hospital for mere minutes and the delivery process began. I can still remember the burning sensation right before he was born and the nurse gently telling me not to scream, but to push!!! I still remember talking to my best friend on the phone after they brought Josiah into the room and telling her how big he was! I remember thinking how big and beautiful he was in that little incubator and asking if I could touch him. I still remember the JOY and hope I felt that he might be able to make it. I still remember the amazement at how “easy” the delivery was and how alert I was. I remember the special time they gave to us to hold and love on him when the doctors felt Josiah’s time left here was short. I remember the nurse who kept asking if we wanted him baptized. I remember feeling bad for her that she believed he needed to be baptized in order to get into Heaven. I remember Frank and I holding him and telling him all about Jesus and how he would soon meet Him. I remember Josiah passing from this world in my arms and entering into Heaven in Jesus’ arms. That fact right there gave me such JOY! It was such a peaceful transition. It still blows my mind that God decided to choose our family for this journey. His timing is perfect. If this had happened just 2 years prior, the outcome would have been VERY different. You see, we were newly saved by His grace. Our faith and dependence upon Him had only just begun on April 14, 1998, when a special couple shared the gift of God’s salvation with us and we accepted the gift. Praise the LORD that He had planted us in a Biblical New Testament church (Greater RI Baptist Temple) that would help guide us through the journey. I prayed specifically and asked my church family to pray for us specifically that we would not get bitter during this journey. Oh how that would have changed the outcome of Josiah’s short life here on earth. The Lord also guarded our marriage. So many folks end their marriage after the loss of a child. I didn’t want that to happen to us and I prayed specifically for that protection. The LORD has blessed us so much through this journey. Over these past 10 years, I have truly cemented in my heart and mind that my JOY comes from Jesus Christ and Him alone. That Truth alone is worth all the tears and all the attacks from Satan during my “sad weeks”. Satan may try to question the “what ifs” or badger me with the “why haven’t you accomplished this yet?” But I can boldly tell Satan to get thee behind me…my God is bigger than you Satan! Paul Chappell’s devotional “A Restoration of Joy” (see below) was a timely reminder from the Lord that my JOY is true! Praise the LORD for His word which is True and His lovingkindness and mercy which are REAL and everlasting. Jesus is my JOY!

A Restoration of Joy

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.”

Psalm 51:8-9

Sin provides temporary pleasure but steals lasting joy.

Have you noticed that our world seems bent on finding joy or pleasure in life? Sports, hobbies, new gadgets, more possessions, bigger and better things seem to be the pursuit of many looking for happiness. “If I can get that job, with the higher salary, I’ll be happy.” “If I had this possession, I’d be happy.” “If I lived in that city, I’d be happier.” How often people look to things to bring them joy.

A look back through history shows that this trend is not new to society. Men and women have searched for joy and happiness in many places. Some have lived riotous lives, hoping to find happiness. One such man, Lord Byron, realized that joy is not found in such living, “The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone.” Some have sought happiness through money, yet Jay Gould, a millionaire, refuted that idea when he said, “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.” Joy cannot be found in fame or success, as Lord Beaconsfield reported, “Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret.”

Another person who can attest to the unsuccessful pursuit of joy and happiness is King David. Yesterday we saw his fall into adultery. We witnessed his failure, cover-ups, and eventual confession. King David teaches us that true joy cannot be found in the satisfaction of fleshly desires.

Often, we are told that in order to be happy, we must be satisfied. The world teaches that if your flesh wants it, do it. If you desire it, go for it. Why not satisfy yourself? After all, satisfaction of flesh is the only way to experience happiness.

The world is right that a satisfaction of flesh will bring happiness and pleasure, but that joy is temporary. David gave into his desires, sought to satisfy his flesh, and walked away a train wreck of failure. I’m sure he enjoyed his sin at the time, yet afterward he faced the consequences of his sin.

Sin provides temporary pleasure but steals lasting joy. Notice David’s prayer of repentance, “Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.” David lost the joy he had enjoyed while he was walking with God. The joy of the Lord had left his heart, and David desperately wanted God to restore that joy in His life.

True joy comes from walking with God, obeying His commands, and following His path for your life. No circumstance, possession, pursuit, or person can give you joy like God can give. He is the source, provider, and facilitator of joy. If you truly want happiness and joy in life, you can find it by walking with God. David realized that God held the key to a joyful life, and he had lost that joy through seeking happiness on his own.

Do you have joy in your life? Joy doesn’t mean being happy at all times, but being content knowing that God is in control. Have you lost your joy? Following fleshly desires brings temporary happiness but leaves a joyless soul. Seek joy in Christ. Look to Him for the satisfying, soul-filling joy that a life lived for Him can bring. As you travel the Christian journey, times of failure and loss of joy will come, but like King David, repent of the sin and seek the restoration of God’s joy.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Numbers 23-25 | Mark 7:14-37