Choose Joy…
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 ESV
For years I skipped over these verses in the Bible. I just could not imagine being joyful about all kinds of challenges and trouble. How contradictory it seems to be joyful when trouble comes. Undoubtedly trouble will come to us all. When adversity raises its’ ugly head, our first reaction is to pull back… withdraw and question, “Why me?” “What have I done to deserve this?” There is actually a way that we can profit and come out on top in the midst of all kinds of trials.
Command With Authority Joy…
These verses in James gain meaning when we study the original text. This phrase, “Count it all joy,” in the original Greek can be translated, “Command with authority joy.” In other words, when trials come, when unexpectedly things take a turn for the negative, it is the right time to TAKE JOY. By an act of your will you can release joy. The way that you do this is by choosing to praise God… To trust Him even when you don’t understand, “Why?” When we do this, we can actually profit and reap positive benefits from the trial.
Years ago, I trained myself to do something that has now become a lifelong habit. Whenever I would accidentally drop something, or have a minor mishap, I immediately began to praise God out loud. I am not praising God for the mishap, or accident, but I am simply praising Him in the midst of the situation. It is amazing what kind of stares you get when this happens in public. It is so much a part of me now, that this response comes out without even thinking. Recently, I pulled up to a drive-up window at a local bank. Just as I went to reach for the stack of papers and checks to deposit, my day planner flipped over onto the floor. The papers went flying in total disarray. I went into automatic praise mode. I raised my hands and began to praise God out loud for several seconds. When I looked up the teller was speechless, and not sure what to do. I went on with my transaction and left her wondering.
We do not have control over every circumstance and situation. If we did, we certainly would not elect trouble. However, when trouble comes, we can make a choice to PRAISE. The actual command to do so is found in the Word of God.
Rejoice in the Time of Trouble
Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS again I will say rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NKJV
You cannot control all the circumstances in your life, but you can choose your response to those circumstances.
“Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” Charles R. Swindoll
You can choose to respond to trouble by meditating on the problem, speaking negative words, releasing anger and resentment, and giving in to depression and every oppressive spirit. On the other hand, you can choose to give thanks to God and praise Him, even while you are facing perhaps the greatest challenge of your faith. Some people say, “Life isn’t fair.” I say that adversity hits some harder than others. On the other hand, every one of us has the opportunity to come out victorious as we act on God’s Word. “God shows no partiality.” (Acts 10:34)
There is a big difference between thanking God FOR the circumstances, and thanking God IN the circumstances. We should not thank God for something the devil has brought against us. The enemy’s job description is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). It would be absurd for us to thank God for destructive works that the enemy (the devil) has brought to steal, kill and destroy in our lives. We can, however, rise up at a time which seems out of season…with the waves of adversity raging all around us, and give thanks to God for who He is, and what He has done in our lives. It is the will of God for us to give thanks in every situation.
YOU HAVE A CHOICE TODAY…
You can Worry, or Worship…
You can go into self-pity and Pout…
or Shout praise to God.
You can Turn In and withdraw,
or Reach Out to touch others.
You can choose Bitterness and offense,
or Gratitude and forgiveness.
Although you have had no control over many of the circumstances life has brought your way, you can take charge and determine your destiny by making the right choice. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV As you choose to rejoice in the midst of your situation today, a strength to overcome is being produced. You can actually profit from the trial as you increase in endurance and spiritual strength to STAND and come out on top in future challenges. As difficult as it is to the FLESH… Choose joy today and profit from the trials you are facing.
