Dec 16 , 2020
Count It All Joy
James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
I will be the first to tell you that it is difficult, to say the least, to count your trials as “joy.” Trials can be some of the most painful experiences one can go through in life. Trials come in all shapes, forms, and fashions. The trials that are most painful are sometimes initiated through some of the people with whom you have the closest relationships. At the onset of the trial is often the time in which one experiences pain at the height of intensity. The initial response of the one being tried is often for that person wanting to lash out; wanting to strike back at whatever it is that is causing the pain. That’s the human response. As time goes on, though the pain may linger, the intensity of the pain will eventually subside. The subsiding of the pain allows one the opportunity to reflect. In reflection, the one who lives by faith and according to the Word of God, will at the right time, in the right moment, realize that there is a blessing even in the trial. They will realize that although the trial has come as an attack against their joy and peace, that their victory ultimately lies in their faith. The reason James tells the believer to “Count it all joy…” is because James was acquainted with the fruits of reward that comes with enduring trials.
When your faith is tested and you endure the testing of your faith, then patience is produced in you that strengthens you and enables you go through your trial all the while maintaining your joy. When joy is maintained the atmosphere around you remains stabilized and you can go from day to day as though the trial has never occurred. The strength that comes through endurance perfects you; it completes you; it ensures that you are lacking nothing, allowing you to continue to enjoy and experience fulfillment in life, and the comfort of walking continuously in a joy-filled relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. While you “count it all joy” just make sure you don’t attempt to put a limit on the number of trials you are willing to endure. Psalms 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” So when you are heavy burdened always remember that breakthrough is coming. When you are perplexed, peace resides on the doorstep of your life. When you feel a bit discouraged try focusing on your divine destiny. In the midst of it all there is a great blessing in store for you.
