Count it all Joy

"Count it all joy" sounds very flowery and sweet and idealistic.

It's hard.

Not every week is going to feel joyful. It is not always easy to find the good and quite frankly- many times we don't want to. However, James 1:2-3 says that the "trying of our faith worketh patience." Sounds like a good time! (not at all) You're going to be tempted, it's going to test you, it's not going to feel joyful, and your patience will be worked. Not exactly ideal circumstances. To count it all joy wasn't a suggestion or a question, though, in this verse. It's a command.

If easy is what you're looking for, then I hate to be the one to tell you, but the Christian lifestyle isn't the one to be living. It isn't easy. It doesn't mean you get bypassed from all the hurts, overwhelming feelings, and struggles. You'll probably face adversity more because you are not conforming to the ways of the world. But let me tell you, the Christian lifestyle is worth it because it is the only right way to live.

If you were to read on in James 1, in verse 4 we are told that this new found patience or perseverance, if we allow it's work to be done, will make us mature and complete. We will lack nothing, then we see that wisdom could be added.

We could be complete. We will lack nothing.

This means we will be provided for. That doesn't necessarily mean God will give you that new car you want, or a million dollars, but it does mean He knows our needs and they will be met. Isn't that comforting? To know your needs have been met.

God doesn't HAVE to prove anything to us. He already created all. He has already seen all. He has already worked all things together for those called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) So, I think that is something for us to be joyful about. That is worth celebrating. Even when things feel hard, there is good. God is still here. He is still working. He's still answering prayers, working miracles, making a way. He doesn't owe us anything but He still loves us that much. He sent His only son for us. (John 3:16) Count that as joy.

Do you have leg pain? That means you're able to feel. Some people would love to be able to feel their leg hurt just to feel something.

Having a bad hair day? That means you have hair. Think of the cancer patient who wishes they had theirs.

Can't pick an outfit? Chances are you're struggling because you have too many options. That's a blessing.

You open the fridge and are mad you have to move things out of the way to get to what you want? You have a full fridge. You aren't starving.

Too much college work? That means a way was made for you to get an education. Not many people get this opportunity.

I'm not saying your situation isn't hard. I'm sure it feels very heavy right now. But count it all

as joy. Something good is there if we look hard enough. If you truly can't find it in the situation, change your perspective. Take a step back and praise God for a life worth living because you're living it for Christ. You already know what eternity looks like so this moment shouldn't feel so big now.

Tell someone what the joy is you're happy to count today.