My small group just finished an amazing book called "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. At the end of the book, there is a 30 day devotional. I tend to do my own thing for quiet times, but I hope to incorporate this devotional into those times for awhile! I am only on day 2, but had to share some of the verses:
Colossians 1:11b-14 ...joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation (!!!!!)
Colossians 2:13-15 When you were dead in your sins and the uncircumscision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with it's regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Wow, we have so much to be thankful for! And that's only a few verses...not the mention all our daily blessings as well as the rich blessings filling the rest of scripture!! What an awesome and loving God we serve!!
What other blessings and promises can you find in the scriptures? This is a huge question, but well worth the research, When we truly recognize how blessed we are and how many promises God has made to His children (that He always keeps), how can we continue to complain?? Although I have a very far way to go, God has been working on developing a more thankful heart in me. And I pretty darn thankful for that. ;)
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Save my life
It was Sunday morning. Sitting there silently with my folks in that typical pew, surrounded by the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of my church, I listened to my fellow church members share thoughts, scripture, prayers, etc. It was just a typical Sunday, always something new, but still the same general routine. I tried to block out all my pains, stresses, fears so that I could better focus on the words being shared. (Those negative thoughts, feelings, and situations love to interfere when we attempt to set our eyes on Christ.) I need to focus; I need to commune with God; this is MY time with Jesus. I blocked everything out and began to quietly pray.
Just as I was getting situated, I heard a small sound to my left. An almost silent sniffle. I peaked out the corner of my eye and sure enough, a tear rolled down my neighbors cheek...and then another. She found a tissue in her purse as several more tears like the first began to fall. I paused...what do I do? I really need this time with God, just me and Him. Another sniffle. I stopped. My heart broke as I remembered some of the struggles she had encountered in her life. Slowly, quietly, I inched my way closer gently placing my arm around her, silently drawing her close with a strong squeeze. As she composed herself, here and there others stood to share struggles they were facing. My mind drifted to friends experiencing a whole gamut of hardships. Everyone I knew had a story. I scanned the room and wondered what pains were hidden behind those smiling faces. Going full circle my attention finished with me...how often to I reach out and address those hurts in others? Do I draw them close to comfort and love them, or am I always too busy?
Jesus was never too busy to show love. Even though He may have been exhausted, hungry, or on a mission....he always took time for the hurting, sick, wounded, unclean, even the dead. There was never a grievance to small that He ignored it or too big that He didn't give it all He had. He saw every pain and addressed it with all His attention. I desperately wish I could say I've done the same in my life, but I know that's not true. I'm a busy lady! And way too often I find myself focused on my own agenda rather than on being the hands and feet of Christ. But Jesus was that perfect example, something we can (and should) strive for in our own lives. Show love to others today, you never know how God will use even a small kind word or act of encouragement to touch a grief stricken soul.
Just as I was getting situated, I heard a small sound to my left. An almost silent sniffle. I peaked out the corner of my eye and sure enough, a tear rolled down my neighbors cheek...and then another. She found a tissue in her purse as several more tears like the first began to fall. I paused...what do I do? I really need this time with God, just me and Him. Another sniffle. I stopped. My heart broke as I remembered some of the struggles she had encountered in her life. Slowly, quietly, I inched my way closer gently placing my arm around her, silently drawing her close with a strong squeeze. As she composed herself, here and there others stood to share struggles they were facing. My mind drifted to friends experiencing a whole gamut of hardships. Everyone I knew had a story. I scanned the room and wondered what pains were hidden behind those smiling faces. Going full circle my attention finished with me...how often to I reach out and address those hurts in others? Do I draw them close to comfort and love them, or am I always too busy?
Jesus was never too busy to show love. Even though He may have been exhausted, hungry, or on a mission....he always took time for the hurting, sick, wounded, unclean, even the dead. There was never a grievance to small that He ignored it or too big that He didn't give it all He had. He saw every pain and addressed it with all His attention. I desperately wish I could say I've done the same in my life, but I know that's not true. I'm a busy lady! And way too often I find myself focused on my own agenda rather than on being the hands and feet of Christ. But Jesus was that perfect example, something we can (and should) strive for in our own lives. Show love to others today, you never know how God will use even a small kind word or act of encouragement to touch a grief stricken soul.
Save My Life - Sidewalk Prophets
What We're Here For - The Afters
With Every Act of Love - Jason Gray
Saturday, January 17, 2015
I am His
What a huge blessing to know that I belong to the creator and king of the universe! Not only do I belong...but I was bought at a very high price! God allowed His one and only son to die a horrific death just so He could call me His. Just so He could welcome me with open and joyous arms into His family, forever. So that He could call me His child. Me. A sinner. Not just any sinner, but one that can barely go any length of time without doing/thinking/saying/feeling something uncharacteristic of Christ, who was perfect, truly without blemish. God allowed His perfect son to die...for us. How anyone could actually allow that to happen for me is completely incomprehensible to me! I just don't get it. Sure, I've always believed God sent His son to die for me....yet I have never been able to fully wrap my mind around it. And as I've grown and become increasingly aware of my faults/sins/blemishes/ugliness....it becomes harder and harder to grasp. Why would He ever do that for me?? I cannot even come remotely close to deserving this gift. I am completely and utterly unworthy. However, the truth of the matter never falters. "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16). Even when I fail, when I let Him down, He is still overjoyed to call me His child. Nothing I could do/say/think would ever make Him love me less. That open invitation is always there. Wow, now that's love! And it is available to ANYONE who believes. I may not understand it, but I most definitely believe it and am so so thankful for it!
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Beatitudes
Growing up in the church, I was well aware of the beatitudes. They are the study focus for many ages, as are the Lord's Prayer, Psalm 23, the Ten Commandments. etc. But as I recently began rereading the book of Matthew, I came upon them again in chapter 5. Yes, I've read them countless times and studied them here and there during my life, but do I truly understand them? Can I apply them to my life? Or does the familiarity of this passage cause me to unintentionally gloss over them, instead of taking out my shovel and seriously digging into the depths of their significance?
Well what does anyone in the 21st century do when they have a question? You got it, head straight for google. I prepared myself to sift through several duds before finding something of quality...however, the first hit was just what I wanted. It was a sermon series by John Piper, a collection of 8 to be exact. He breaks down the well-known passages and studies each beatitude individually in depth.
I have not yet read all the sermons, but have finished they first 3 and they were excellent. I'd recommend them if you are also curious about diving deeper into these familiar verses, instead of just remaining at the status quo in your understanding. You can read or listen to them here:
The Beatitudes Sermon Series by John Piper
Also, if you have another commentary or resource on the beatitudes you enjoy, I'd love for you to share it to this post!
Matthew 5:3-12 (NIV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Well what does anyone in the 21st century do when they have a question? You got it, head straight for google. I prepared myself to sift through several duds before finding something of quality...however, the first hit was just what I wanted. It was a sermon series by John Piper, a collection of 8 to be exact. He breaks down the well-known passages and studies each beatitude individually in depth.
I have not yet read all the sermons, but have finished they first 3 and they were excellent. I'd recommend them if you are also curious about diving deeper into these familiar verses, instead of just remaining at the status quo in your understanding. You can read or listen to them here:
The Beatitudes Sermon Series by John Piper
Also, if you have another commentary or resource on the beatitudes you enjoy, I'd love for you to share it to this post!
Matthew 5:3-12 (NIV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Facing Trials Part 3
4. Personal experience
I am eons away from being fully mature and complete in my faith, however I have definitely had the privilege of seeing the truth of James 1:2-3 play out in my short life. Over the years, I have faced various hardships and trials. From those of my youth including losing pets, learning to make friends, learning to be subject to my parent's authority, making good grades...to more serious ones such as losing a loved one, going through hard break-ups, persevering through an intense grad school program, a close relative losing a job undeservedly, losing connection with friends (for various reasons), and being unmarried.
Again, my trials are miniscule compared to the trials of some others...yet God has graciously used those trials in my life to continually mold me into a better servant for Him. And I am so incredibly thankful that He is no where near finished. Each trial/test makes me stronger in Him by magnifying my weaknesses and His power. Every time I face something new, I am better able to rely on Him and see His power manifested a little more. While in the moment I could not understand why I had to endure certain circumstances...I have seen God grow me in some pretty cool ways when I am open to Him. I have become more patient with others and am able to see the good in them more quickly, able to stay more positive in difficult situations, trust in God's plan despite the circumstances, and be thankful for the blessings in my life. I am so thankful for these aspects of growth...but we're just beginning to scratch the surface with these attributes as I have a lot of growing to do!
I know that this process will never cease in my lifetime, as I can never attain a flawless Christlike character here on earth. But I am so thankful that my Father in heaven will never give up on me...diligently and patiently scraping off my rough edges to shape me into the woman He wants me to be. <3
5. A couple other Bible verses...
1 Peter 1:6-7: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Romans 5:3-5: Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Hebrews 12:5-7: And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
I am eons away from being fully mature and complete in my faith, however I have definitely had the privilege of seeing the truth of James 1:2-3 play out in my short life. Over the years, I have faced various hardships and trials. From those of my youth including losing pets, learning to make friends, learning to be subject to my parent's authority, making good grades...to more serious ones such as losing a loved one, going through hard break-ups, persevering through an intense grad school program, a close relative losing a job undeservedly, losing connection with friends (for various reasons), and being unmarried.
Again, my trials are miniscule compared to the trials of some others...yet God has graciously used those trials in my life to continually mold me into a better servant for Him. And I am so incredibly thankful that He is no where near finished. Each trial/test makes me stronger in Him by magnifying my weaknesses and His power. Every time I face something new, I am better able to rely on Him and see His power manifested a little more. While in the moment I could not understand why I had to endure certain circumstances...I have seen God grow me in some pretty cool ways when I am open to Him. I have become more patient with others and am able to see the good in them more quickly, able to stay more positive in difficult situations, trust in God's plan despite the circumstances, and be thankful for the blessings in my life. I am so thankful for these aspects of growth...but we're just beginning to scratch the surface with these attributes as I have a lot of growing to do!
I know that this process will never cease in my lifetime, as I can never attain a flawless Christlike character here on earth. But I am so thankful that my Father in heaven will never give up on me...diligently and patiently scraping off my rough edges to shape me into the woman He wants me to be. <3
5. A couple other Bible verses...
1 Peter 1:6-7: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Romans 5:3-5: Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Hebrews 12:5-7: And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Facing Trials Part 2
In my last post, I looked at James 1:2, talking about having joy in suffering. Long story short, we are called to have pure joy in all circumstances, no matter how difficult they may be. But why? Just because God says so? Well...I personally think that's an excellent reason, but He goes into a little more depth as to why we should have joy. :) He follows verse two's call to action with these words :"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." (James 1:3-4). Last time I talked about the "what" and "when"...now what about the "why"?
3. Result (why)
For some reason, God has allowed me to avoid some of the serious trials that many of you may be going through right now. But I do have trials of my own. God knows each of our lives intimately, what we can handle and what we need to grow in Him. Each one of His children has different trials that they will need to face according to His plan. Trials that will test their individual faith...not the faith of their parents or the faith of their friends, but their faith alone. This can be intimidating as we, as humans, are social animals and rely heavily on one another. While the social comradery is very important to our Christian walk, we need those individual trials and tests to develop our faith to it's fullest.
First things first...He says that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. For all you sports minded people, this part should make total sense! You can't take an individual that has never played baseball in his life and expect him to hit a home run the first time he holds a bat...or expect that girl that has never run in her life to win a marathon...that's just preposterous! We all know that these things take training. You don't just wake up one day an all-star athlete. Let's just take running for example. I dabble in running here and there, but I mostly definitely don't have the stamina to persevere through a marathon! That would take training, training that I have not yet pursued. But if I were to push myself and to actually train for that marathon, I would one day be able to accomplish that goal. That training would definitely not be easy and would test me and stretch me in ways I have never been tested/stretched before. But that's how I become better and develop that perseverance! The same holds true with our faith. Just because we accepted Christ as our savior does NOT mean we are strong, mature Christians. Yes, accepting Christ brings us into the Christian family and grants us eternity with God...but at first citation of the sinners prayer, we are still baby Christians.
Going through those trials and gaining that perseverance are what causes maturity to grow. I don't know about you, but I would love to develop just a little bit of that spiritual maturity! Yes, I am more spiritually mature now than when I first accepted Christ....but then I look at those Godly men and women in my church and in ministry and I think "wow!" How I would love to have the faith that they exhibit! And the wisdom! It's truly amazing. But did they always have that faith and wisdom? Goodness no! They had some sort of humble beginning or hard times that brought them to the place they are now. I can guarantee you, if you seek out a truly spiritually mature individual in your church, and ask them how they got there....they will have some sort of story for you, big or small. For just as James said, perseverance must "finish its work so you may be mature and complete." Perseverance leads to maturity.
Ok, cool, maturity. So what's the big deal? As we persevere through trials and develop that spiritual maturity, God prepares us for what's to come! We become stronger in Him and are able to more fully rely on Him and His provision with each new scenario. Each unique trial contributes to that strength in some way. Most likely we won't recognize it in that instance....it will be when we are faced with a new trial. Again, you may not readily see how that previous trial was beneficial, but there is a good chance you will be able to face this current trial in a way you would have been unable to previously. God knows exactly what each of us needs to help us grow in Him. It might not always be enjoyable or easy (in fact, I can guarantee there will be times that are NOT enjoyable and easy)...but it will be beneficial.
So while it is easy to let out a groan when thinking about trials....try to refocus on these verses in James. No, trials probably won't be fun and will most likely be difficult....but they are a necessary part of God's plan to mold us into who He wants us to be. They allow us to grow in faith and reliance on God, develop a more intimate relationship with our savior, and give us strength and wisdom to face whatever the future brings. I never thought I'd be thankful for tests and trials, but I most certainly am now!
3. Result (why)
For some reason, God has allowed me to avoid some of the serious trials that many of you may be going through right now. But I do have trials of my own. God knows each of our lives intimately, what we can handle and what we need to grow in Him. Each one of His children has different trials that they will need to face according to His plan. Trials that will test their individual faith...not the faith of their parents or the faith of their friends, but their faith alone. This can be intimidating as we, as humans, are social animals and rely heavily on one another. While the social comradery is very important to our Christian walk, we need those individual trials and tests to develop our faith to it's fullest.
First things first...He says that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. For all you sports minded people, this part should make total sense! You can't take an individual that has never played baseball in his life and expect him to hit a home run the first time he holds a bat...or expect that girl that has never run in her life to win a marathon...that's just preposterous! We all know that these things take training. You don't just wake up one day an all-star athlete. Let's just take running for example. I dabble in running here and there, but I mostly definitely don't have the stamina to persevere through a marathon! That would take training, training that I have not yet pursued. But if I were to push myself and to actually train for that marathon, I would one day be able to accomplish that goal. That training would definitely not be easy and would test me and stretch me in ways I have never been tested/stretched before. But that's how I become better and develop that perseverance! The same holds true with our faith. Just because we accepted Christ as our savior does NOT mean we are strong, mature Christians. Yes, accepting Christ brings us into the Christian family and grants us eternity with God...but at first citation of the sinners prayer, we are still baby Christians.
Going through those trials and gaining that perseverance are what causes maturity to grow. I don't know about you, but I would love to develop just a little bit of that spiritual maturity! Yes, I am more spiritually mature now than when I first accepted Christ....but then I look at those Godly men and women in my church and in ministry and I think "wow!" How I would love to have the faith that they exhibit! And the wisdom! It's truly amazing. But did they always have that faith and wisdom? Goodness no! They had some sort of humble beginning or hard times that brought them to the place they are now. I can guarantee you, if you seek out a truly spiritually mature individual in your church, and ask them how they got there....they will have some sort of story for you, big or small. For just as James said, perseverance must "finish its work so you may be mature and complete." Perseverance leads to maturity.
Ok, cool, maturity. So what's the big deal? As we persevere through trials and develop that spiritual maturity, God prepares us for what's to come! We become stronger in Him and are able to more fully rely on Him and His provision with each new scenario. Each unique trial contributes to that strength in some way. Most likely we won't recognize it in that instance....it will be when we are faced with a new trial. Again, you may not readily see how that previous trial was beneficial, but there is a good chance you will be able to face this current trial in a way you would have been unable to previously. God knows exactly what each of us needs to help us grow in Him. It might not always be enjoyable or easy (in fact, I can guarantee there will be times that are NOT enjoyable and easy)...but it will be beneficial.
So while it is easy to let out a groan when thinking about trials....try to refocus on these verses in James. No, trials probably won't be fun and will most likely be difficult....but they are a necessary part of God's plan to mold us into who He wants us to be. They allow us to grow in faith and reliance on God, develop a more intimate relationship with our savior, and give us strength and wisdom to face whatever the future brings. I never thought I'd be thankful for tests and trials, but I most certainly am now!
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Facing Trials Part 1
Trials. This topic has been on my mind lately as I'm facing some biggies currently and it is a common word used in our Christian circles. We all go through them....big, small, medium....painful, not so painful, confusing....some are concrete, others more abstract....whatever it may be, as Christians we most likely know we'll face them at some point in time. Ugh. Just the thought of trials makes my heart feel heavy and stressed. But what does the Bible say about trials? Be stressed and upset? Cry and complain about them? Give up and feel sorry for yourself? Those of you that have read the Bible much at all should be almost laughing at this point, because that is definitely NOT what the Bible says about trials. The Bible actually takes a much different stance on trials:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." -James 1:2-3
PURE joy. Not just joy...not a little joy...not joy in a few things....but PURE joy. Other translations say "count it all joy" (ESV, KJV) or "great joy" (Holman Christian Standard) or "nothing but joy" (NET Bible). Furthermore, God is calling us to have complete joy when we are going through trials, of all sorts! It doesn't matter whether you failed a class, wrecked your car, are going through a breakup, lost a loved one, lost a job, are being persecuted for your faith, whatever! Ok wait, let me get this straight...you want me to have COMPLETE JOY when I'm SUFFERING?!? I don't get it...this just doesn't fit with my westernized way of thinking. Stephanie, I'm looking for the American dream, not sorrow. Well let's break this down...
1. Joy vs. Happiness
First things first, let's confront a common misconception. Many people, when they read that verse, mentally substitute happiness for joy. That seems harmless enough, right? I mean, in our culture we often use them interchangeably. But just because we do that does not mean we should. In fact, these two words have a slightly different meaning....and if God had wanted to refer to happiness, you better believe He would have done so. One source I found defined the difference well: "In order to understand the lifestyle God desires for us, we need to know the difference between joy and happiness. Both can be defined as gladness, delight, and pleasure in something, but happiness has an external cause. When circumstances are favorable and delightful, we are naturally happy, but when events take a downward turn, so do our spirits. Joy, on the other hand, has an internal cause and is not dependent upon outside conditions. As believers, we can keep our contentment in good times and bad because our delight is in the Lord, not in our fluctuating circumstances. (http://www.intouch.org/magazine/content/topic/the_empowering_emotion_of_joy#.VI5xGXufJWM)." Another source puts it this way: "Happiness tends to be fleeting and depends upon temporal factors like circumstances or other people. Joy, on the other hand, is true contentment that comes from internal factors like our faith in the Lord. True joy is everlasting and not dependent upon circumstances. (http://www.gotquestions.org/joy-happiness.html)." Very similar words....very different meanings.
In James 1, God is calling us to have joy, not happiness. I believe He wants us to be happy, what father wouldn't want his children to be happy?? But that's not what He's asking from us in these verses. Instead, He's telling us to have 100% joy despite the circumstances, which is much deeper than a fleeting feeling of happiness.
2. When?
Ok....I get the difference between joy and happiness, but God really wants me to have that pure, unadulterated joy when I'm facing trials?!? Yes! You got it!! It's easy to have joy when things are good...you know, when things seem perfect with that boyfriend/girlfriend, you get that promotion at work, you pass a certification exam...those things are great and make us feel good. But what happens when you break up with that boyfriend/girlfriend, or lose that job, or fail that exam? What then? That's right...have pure joy. All these things are trials....things that God uses to test our faith and ultimately bring us closer to Him. (*Disclaimer*: Some hard times in our lives are simply consequences for things we've done in our past or a result of sin in the world. However, God can use even those situations to help us grow in Him. So I think it's safe to say we should have joy in those circumstances as well. :) Furthermore, have you ever considered that God just MIGHT have something better for you in mind? Sure, that boyfriend/girlfriend may have been an amazing Godly person....but there are a lot of those individuals in the world! God may have a much better fit for you in store. Heck, I don't know, only God can see that bigger picture! Or what about that job or certification exam? Maybe He has a better job? Or a better career for you? Something in which you can better serve Him? Only He can see that bigger picture of His plan...the plan that He's working out for His glory. We just gotta have faith, trust Him, and follow His leading.
Such a simple verse...but so much meat to it! It completely goes against much of our American culture. Next time you're going through a trial, step back, take a deep breath, and think on this verse. Yes, it might be a horribly awful situation...but our heavenly Father has called us to have joy, even in those circumstances. We've looked at verse 2 telling us the what and when, but next time we'll take a look at verse 3, the why. And no, the why is not just "because God said so"...although I'd say that's still a pretty good reason ;)
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." -James 1:2-3
PURE joy. Not just joy...not a little joy...not joy in a few things....but PURE joy. Other translations say "count it all joy" (ESV, KJV) or "great joy" (Holman Christian Standard) or "nothing but joy" (NET Bible). Furthermore, God is calling us to have complete joy when we are going through trials, of all sorts! It doesn't matter whether you failed a class, wrecked your car, are going through a breakup, lost a loved one, lost a job, are being persecuted for your faith, whatever! Ok wait, let me get this straight...you want me to have COMPLETE JOY when I'm SUFFERING?!? I don't get it...this just doesn't fit with my westernized way of thinking. Stephanie, I'm looking for the American dream, not sorrow. Well let's break this down...
1. Joy vs. Happiness
First things first, let's confront a common misconception. Many people, when they read that verse, mentally substitute happiness for joy. That seems harmless enough, right? I mean, in our culture we often use them interchangeably. But just because we do that does not mean we should. In fact, these two words have a slightly different meaning....and if God had wanted to refer to happiness, you better believe He would have done so. One source I found defined the difference well: "In order to understand the lifestyle God desires for us, we need to know the difference between joy and happiness. Both can be defined as gladness, delight, and pleasure in something, but happiness has an external cause. When circumstances are favorable and delightful, we are naturally happy, but when events take a downward turn, so do our spirits. Joy, on the other hand, has an internal cause and is not dependent upon outside conditions. As believers, we can keep our contentment in good times and bad because our delight is in the Lord, not in our fluctuating circumstances. (http://www.intouch.org/magazine/content/topic/the_empowering_emotion_of_joy#.VI5xGXufJWM)." Another source puts it this way: "Happiness tends to be fleeting and depends upon temporal factors like circumstances or other people. Joy, on the other hand, is true contentment that comes from internal factors like our faith in the Lord. True joy is everlasting and not dependent upon circumstances. (http://www.gotquestions.org/joy-happiness.html)." Very similar words....very different meanings.
In James 1, God is calling us to have joy, not happiness. I believe He wants us to be happy, what father wouldn't want his children to be happy?? But that's not what He's asking from us in these verses. Instead, He's telling us to have 100% joy despite the circumstances, which is much deeper than a fleeting feeling of happiness.
2. When?
Ok....I get the difference between joy and happiness, but God really wants me to have that pure, unadulterated joy when I'm facing trials?!? Yes! You got it!! It's easy to have joy when things are good...you know, when things seem perfect with that boyfriend/girlfriend, you get that promotion at work, you pass a certification exam...those things are great and make us feel good. But what happens when you break up with that boyfriend/girlfriend, or lose that job, or fail that exam? What then? That's right...have pure joy. All these things are trials....things that God uses to test our faith and ultimately bring us closer to Him. (*Disclaimer*: Some hard times in our lives are simply consequences for things we've done in our past or a result of sin in the world. However, God can use even those situations to help us grow in Him. So I think it's safe to say we should have joy in those circumstances as well. :) Furthermore, have you ever considered that God just MIGHT have something better for you in mind? Sure, that boyfriend/girlfriend may have been an amazing Godly person....but there are a lot of those individuals in the world! God may have a much better fit for you in store. Heck, I don't know, only God can see that bigger picture! Or what about that job or certification exam? Maybe He has a better job? Or a better career for you? Something in which you can better serve Him? Only He can see that bigger picture of His plan...the plan that He's working out for His glory. We just gotta have faith, trust Him, and follow His leading.
Such a simple verse...but so much meat to it! It completely goes against much of our American culture. Next time you're going through a trial, step back, take a deep breath, and think on this verse. Yes, it might be a horribly awful situation...but our heavenly Father has called us to have joy, even in those circumstances. We've looked at verse 2 telling us the what and when, but next time we'll take a look at verse 3, the why. And no, the why is not just "because God said so"...although I'd say that's still a pretty good reason ;)
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