James 1:2-5 Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God — who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly — and it will be given to him.
One Mississippi. Two Mississippi, Three Mississippi. Still counting? Of course you are. If you're breathing, you're still counting. As I think about this year, 2020, and all that it has brought, my mind jumps to this passage of scripture. James, a servant of God, is writing a letter to the twelve tribes who are scattered abroad in different areas. After he greets them, he tells them to consider it GREAT joy whenever they experience trials...in other words, he's telling them not to worry when things don't go as planned...2020! He's asking them to keep the faith even when it seems things won't improve for them. Keep going even though there may be challenge after challenge after challenge. Not only that but to my amazement in this verse, James tells them in his letter to CONSIDER IT A GREAT JOY. Although I've studied this book before, while studying recently, it hit different. To say the least, if you're like I am, there were all kinds of plans I had for 2020. Plan that went array once the Covid hit. I think to myself, "Count it ALL joy? GREAT joy? Really, James?? He's asking these people who are in different places, probably haven't seen their family or friends in quite some time, facing all kids of obstacles on their journey, to consider THESE things JOY? Well, the exciting thing about God is that HE will give you clarity when asked. I asked for clarity and relation in terms of today regarding these verses. As I continued, it appeared to me that although James was asking them to consider challenges, trials, unfortunate situations as JOY. He DID NOT say that they should be happy about it. This is very important, So often, we confuse the two...Joy and Happy. You see, Joy comes from the soul. Deep within the soul while Happy is an emotion. Several things can make us happy. But Joy, that's different. 2020 has definitely put faith to test. You must understand that God is not asking us to be happy when things unfortunate and unexpected happen. He understands, for He created us. He knows that there are some things that are his plan that will probably make us very sad. At the same time, HE is asking that we should count it ALL joy in the process. He's asking us to trust him even during those uncertain and sad times. He's asking us to allow HIS Joy to be our strength. Yes, this year has brought some tough moments but also some great moments. Let me count...
More time with immediate family in the household than ever before! Really getting to know each other again,
More time to spend in meditation with my Lord and Savior. (He had to do it. some hadn't talked to God in years! Too busy).
More time to get to know ME!
My children were home on extended visits learning remotely. I really needed this!
Flexibility to work from anywhere in the world on your laptop (constant mini vacations all year) NO OFFICE WALLS or CUBICLES!
ZOOM! The ability to actually see the ones you love far away in REAL TIME without having to wait for the yearly FAMILY REUNION, Funeral, etc.
Discovery of online spiritual services right from your home. (God's word reached millions more than ever before!)
The hassle free gift of online shopping...no long lines or crowded malls. right from your phone!
My virtual Book Release (who would've thought that was possible?)
An opportunity to make new friends via virtually and stay in touch with the old friends.
I could count for days! Although I've only mentioned some pretty great moments, there were also some not so great moments...sad moments...let me count...
The passing of my dear aunt Lisa to this deadly virus.
Several friends and some family that were diagnosed with the Covid, but survived.
You see, the not so great, unhappy moments were really tough and didn't feel good at all. However, these moments I still consider it joy. I wasn't happy that my aunt passed, I did find joy in knowing that she would now be in the ever loving arms of my Savior. I absolutely wasn't happy knowing so many of my family and friends had been diagnosed with Covid, but I did find unspeakable joy seeing them recover. There's a songwriter that once wrote a very popular song titled, This Joy That I Have, The World Didn't Give It To Me. I love that song for truly, the world can take away so much...it can snatch the energy right from you IF you allow it to. But, "MY" Joy, it could never take it away. God gave it to me! The world has no claim on "MY JOY! God gives us a choice. We can not control what happens, we can control how we choose to respond to what happens. James goes on to tell the tribes that by testing our faith, God is building perseverance and endurance. So that we can one day be complete and mature. Lacking nothing. Also, James also recommends that the tribes ask God for wisdom. He mentions how generously he gives...not judging us or waiting to see if we are good enough. He doesn't mention any specific qualifications that are required in order to ask God for wisdom...he only recommends that if we lack wisdom, all we have to do is ask. Asking is another choice God gives us. So, this Christmas, as a gift to myself, I ask God for continued wisdom. Wisdom so that I can help others know him as well as understand when I too face life's challenges and trials knowing that it takes those times to make us who HE wants us to be for HIM. Remember, God is molding You and Me. He's not surprised by anything that happens in this world. He's the creator of it all!
Keep counting into 2021 and remember to COUNT IT ALL JOY. Not some things but ALL things! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
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