C. S. Lewis said, "Joy is the serious business of heaven." Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm and the shortest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 117 is part of a group of psalms (Psalm 113-118) referred to as the Hallel Psalms. The word "hallel" in Hebrew means "praise." Someone explains, "These psalms are essentially expressions of thanksgiving and joy for divine redemption." Psalm 117 reveals three joyful elements.

First, there is an invitation to join the heaven-bound choir. Psalm 117:1 reads, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!" The term Gentiles reminds us that God's original intention was to bless everyone with His blessing to Abraham. Before his name was changed to Abraham, the Lord said to Abram in Genesis 12:3b, "And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." Therefore, the psalmist issues an invitation to join the heaven-bound choir to speak praiseworthy things of the Lord.

Second, there is an inclination to form the heavenly chords. Psalm 117:2a and b reads, "For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the Lord endures forever." When we meditate on these two things we are inclined to form the heavenly chords as musicians have done down through the ages. These are two of the praiseworthy things with which we are to give glory, laud, and honor to the Lord our God. Here, we think of the Lord's interest in us and His integrity before us. As John W. Peterson expresses, "Oh, what peace and joy, nothing can destroy, there's a new song in my heart." Only the redeemed can form the heavenly chords.

Third, there is an inspiration to sing the heavenward chorus. Psalm 117:2c reads, "Praise the Lord!" Psalm 117 begins and ends with this phrase, and it is indeed a hallelujah chorus. The premiere of the "Messiah" by George Frideric Handel on April 13, 1742, culminated with the Hallelujah Chorus. Handel concluded this famous chorus in the following way:

"And He shall reign forever and ever,

King of kings! and Lord of lords!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!"

Keep in mind this beloved piece of music was first associated with Easter, not Christmas. It is indeed good for all times. In fact, the word "hallelujah" in Hebrew means "praise the Lord!"

Charles H. Spurgeon said, "The saved man is such a happy man that like John Bunyan, when he was converted, he wanted even the crows in the field to share his joy!" Later, Spurgeon adds, "John Bunyan rightly says that any man who wears the flower called 'heart's ease' in his bosom is a happy man. But where does that flower grow except in the garden of forgiveness of sin? The heart is heavy when sin is resting upon it, but it is light and joyous when sin is removed." What about you? It is amazing that even amidst the chaos on this earth we can enjoy the serious business of heaven.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.