Article December 16, 1985 Issue

Gratitude to God, the stairway to joy

HELEN BURNETT LAPP

Does joy sometimes seem to elude you? Do you ever feel so overwhelmed by a problem or a multitude of problems that you can see no basis for joy? These feelings aren't unique. Many have faced similar challenges.

At one time I was confronted with such a challenge. I was informed after the birth of my third child that immediate surgery was necessary, although small hope was held that the operation would succeed in preserving the life of the child. My husband and I were compelled by law to submit to the medical decree. The operation was performed on the third day, while I was still in hospital, and the child did not survive it.

Turning to the Bible for comfort and inspiration, as I often do in time of need, I opened the book and read, "The joy of the Lord is your strength."^{Neh. 8:10.} I didn't think this could possibly be a message for me in the circumstances, so I hopefully opened to another page and read, "Your joy no man taketh from you."^{John 16:22.}