Laughter can conceal a heavy heart; when the laughter ends, the grief remains. (Proverbs 14:13)

I remember talking to an old youth pastor about wearing masks in ministry. When I told her I was the queen of them, she replied: "Then, I am the princess!" It strikes a chord in me to remember that conversation. I have since found such a true, inner joy that masks are no longer needed as long as I live in God's presence.

But, the past few weeks have been a different story. I sunk back into my old way of life. I started to fall into sin. But, even worse, my inner being started to harden and I started to stray from the joy I has found. I was thrown from God's presence by the circumstances surrounding me, or so I thought. Truthfully, I stepped willingly. But, regardless, I started to put on my old masks. I started to pretend to be happy and pretend to worship. I started to say formal prayers instead of talking to God from my heart.

I have a spiritual mentor who cares enough about me not to let this become a lifestyle. He came up to me and asked what was going on. Because of my trust in Him, I shared my heart. I had tried so hard to cover up the anguish inside, but even when the masks were stripped away, I was still left with my pain. Solomon knew what He was talking about.

This mentor of mine gave me a great suggestion: he told me that the masks didn't cut it-I needed the real thing. In order to achieve that I needed to take the focus off of me and place in on the One on whom it belongs-God. In short, He told me to worship-to express to God just what an awesome and amazing Being He is. My spiritual leader and I spent over three hours today talking and joyfully sharing in the joy that has returned to me. I have thrown away the masks. My circumstances haven't changed, nor has anything else. Anything, that is, except throwing away the masks. No more pretending. No more hiding. From now on only true joy (a happiness not dependent upon circumstances).

Have you been hiding behind long worn-out masks? Have you been settling for a fake happiness rather than true joy? Throw them away today, my friend. The real thing is so much better and worth the effort!