My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.
James 1:2
Jesus warns
us that in this life we will have troubles.
There is no avoiding it. This
scripture tells us that we should count it all joy. How do we do
that? How do we find joy in a trial when
there is so much pain attached to the trial? When God says to count it all joy
when you face trials, He’s not talking about the joy found in earthly things.
Circumstances turning out how we desire, possessions and positions, and even
good health only offer happiness. They are temporary.
What God longs for us to have is
deep, lasting joy found in Jesus. This
word “count” means “evaluate.” When trials come, we must evaluate them in light
of God’s truths and promises. It’s not the trial itself we consider a joy.
Rather, it’s the results that will come from the trial that we consider pure
joy. This involves trusting that God is actively working for our good even in
the midst of painful circumstances. And as we trust Him, we will find an inner
gladness rooted not in our circumstances, but in the reality of the living God
who transcends our circumstances. Jesus alone is the source of our joy. When
discouragement comes and you feel you cannot take one more step, remember these
three words, Jesus Only You! J-O-Y. Jesus came so that I . . . so that you . . .
can experience His joy fully and completely in us through any and all
circumstances.
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