Count It All 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

      In recent weeks, we have been in a trial.  I lost a job I truly loved. After many years teaching in a public school I retired but I was led to apply and subsequently got a job at a Christian school.  I loved this job. I loved starting the day with colleagues in prayer.  I loved teaching Bible and all the other subjects to the sweet second graders in my class.  As the last day of the year was winding down, the students had left excited and sad at the same time.  I was tired after a last day field trip but energized that I felt the year was a success.  Then I get a message, the principal wants to see me.  I'm perplexed but I go to her office and am greeted by the principal and a board member.  My confusion mounts.  I take a seat and the next thing I know I am being told I am no longer needed.  Just. like. that.  No real explanation, no real reason, I am unemployed.  I was in shock to say the least.  I returned to my room gathered a few things and walked numbly out the door.  Once in my car, I cried out to God....why?...what are we going to do?....what happened?...what did I do?   

        At the time, it was hard to "count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds",  still hard if I let my wander and linger on it.  But on that day, when I was crying out to God, it came to me that it wasn't what were we going to do but what was God going to do.  I stepped out in faith to retire from my public school job.  I stepped out in faith to take the job at the Christian school.   God was faithful.  When I was hired, it was believed by myself and the principal that is was a "God thing".  He has worked out the details.  Unfortunately, I do not know why things changed but I rest in knowing that God does.  

       Count it all joy.  There are twenty one verses in the Bible that mention the words joy or joyful.  Another twenty four verses use the word rejoice.  God wants us to be joyful.  He wants us to rejoice. He wants us to count it all joy no matter the circumstances or trials because when we do our faith grows. Some of the verses mentioning these words are Nehemiah 8:10 and it says, "...and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.". Psalm 4:7 says "you have put more joy in my heart". Finally,  Psalm 5: 11 tells us, "But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing for joy...". 

        When we count it all joy, our faith grows even through a testing and when the end of the trial comes, and it will come, we will be perfect and complete lacking nothing.  That doesn't mean to say that we are going to be perfect and complete as Jesus is perfect and complete but that we are closer to God.  We know He provides for us and comes through just when He needs too.  He shows up at that right time and reminds us He is there, He is watching, and He cares.  So friends, if you are in a trial remember to count it all joy and let your faith be renewed and strengthened while you wait on the Lord to show you the next steps.