Count it all Joy

Today is the first of twelve months, a moment when I eagerly turn the page to embrace the promise that a new month always brings. 

I picked up this calendar at Dollar Tree. My husband ordered his calendar, but it still hasn’t arrived. We need one in our kitchen to keep track of appointments and upcoming events. I use a calendar app on my phone with alerts, but I still find it nice to have a physical calendar to view the entire month. Although I have another calendar, this one really stood out to me and will be the one I will focus on this month.

So here goes...

James 1:2-4:

 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

When I became a new believer, the idea of accepting life's trials was difficult for me to understand. Someone told me that once I accepted Christ, I wouldn't face any problems and that God would keep me safe from harm. Then the unthinkable happened: from divorce to financial problems—and then the worst of the worst, when my son unexpectedly died at the age of 25. Every year after that, there was another monumental death after another: my father, my mother's suicide, my youngest sister, my two best friends, my niece succumbing to a fentanyl overdose, and my brother.  One could quickly lose their faith if they believe that God does not allow suffering in this life.

Feeling joy while in pain can be difficult. James  instruction to "count it all joy" doesn't mean we should ignore our pain, force a fake smile, and claim that "everything is fine." Instead, it emphasizes that God is still at work in our lives, even during difficult times.

God is with us in our suffering, providing comfort and strength. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). We can bring our pain to Him, as He cares deeply for us (1 Peter 5:7).

I know. I have experienced perpetual grief for years. 

Trials can foster growth and maturity. While the process is painful, God uses these experiences to strengthen faith and develop perseverance (James 1:3-4). This doesn’t mean the pain is good, but rather that God can bring good from difficult situations (Romans 8:28). Who knows? One day, God may use that pain to help someone through what we just came through. He's already used my pain of divorce in helping other Christian women navigate that hurdle, as well as single mothers and those who grieve their adult children's untimely death. 

When we focus on an eternal perspective, our present sufferings pale in comparison to the glory ahead (Romans 8:18). By keeping our eyes on Jesus and the hope of eternity, we can find the strength to endure (Hebrews 12:2). It's normal to feel hurt and grieve; joy comes from a deep trust in God’s goodness, even in tough times. It's also important to "share one another's burdens." God helps us by using other people to help carry our burdens. 

James 1:2-4 encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth. Testing our faith through challenges builds perseverance, fostering spiritual maturity and completeness. This passage highlights how God uses our tough circumstances to strengthen our faith and shape our character.

A wise pastor once told me during a counseling session, "Your life is not about you; it's about God." That really puts everything into that eternal perspective, doesn't it?

One never knows what a new year will bring. I'm excited about what lessons God will teach me, but I don't walk this path, expecting nothing but lollipops and candy canes. I expect trials and tribulations because I am a follower of Christ. In John 15:18-20, Jesus says, 

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also."

This January, let’s commit to walking in biblical truths -  embracing an eternal perspective in our hearts every day. Together, we can inspire each other to stay focused on what truly matters.

Until Next Time,

Debby