Count it all Joy

I used to think that true joy came from the absence of trials and suffering. When my bills were paid off, when my family troubles were resolved, when my fellow workers were more pleasant, when my level of stress was more acceptable, then I would find true joy and tranquility. In the meantime, I would pray for strength to endure. I was wrong.

James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Count it all joy! True joy doesn’t come from the absence of trials, but from the knowledge that those very trials will grow you up into who God has designed for you to be. But wait, there’s more.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing has happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (I Pet 4:12-13).” Delayed gratification is something that is not popular in today’s western culture, but that’s what this verse is speaking of. Be joyful that you are a partaker of Christ’s suffering, that in your suffering you have fellowship with him. Rejoice now because when He is revealed, you will be glad over and above the sorrow you felt in the midst of the trial. I’ve had it backwards all along, and I venture to think that I am not alone.

Christ himself gave us an example of this paradox of joy and sorrow. “ Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2).” Not a one of us will suffer as Christ has suffered. Yet he endured because of the joy that awaited Him. We cannot have this kind of joy without an assurance of faith, without the promise that we will behold the One who suffered so for us.

The apostles and Paul, after they were beaten for speaking the name of Jesus, “departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.(Acts 5:41).” In fact they not only rejoiced, they were emboldened even more to teach and preach Jesus as Christ. So count it all joy when you suffer. You are counted worthy to bear reproach for Christ’s sake. You are being fashioned and equipped to live out His call on your life. You are assured of an even greater joy when His glory is revealed in your life. Change your thinking, and joy will surely be a constant companion.