When We Don’t Want To “Count It All Joy”
What if our faith was never tested? Would we still grow?
Probably not.
Consider James 1:2–4 (ESV):
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.
We might laugh or scream at the words “count it all joy” when we face a trial – unless we understand the meaning of the rest of the text. Only when our faith is tested (when we’re feeling mistreated or facing a devastating ordeal) will we experience firsthand God’s power and intervention. And, consequently, discover how strong our faith is.
“But let’s be real,” you say. “Counting it all joy when a loved one faces a terminal illness or when a dream dies goes against human reason.”
I agree. But we’re not talking about human reasoning.
Although I still struggle with anxiety when I imagine the worst-case scenario, my faith is growing because I know God will continue to carry me and change me for the better in difficult seasons.
This is where joy comes in.
The devil loves to entice us to think about the worst-case scenario. He loves to make us forget that God is far greater and much more powerful than he (the devil) ever could be. Therefore, I meditate on Scripture that reminds me of God’s love, mercy, power, ability, compassion, etc., etc., etc.! (Take that, Satan, for messing with me!)
Being joyful in tribulation isn’t about being happy when bad things happen. Rather, we can have confidence that, through it all, we can grow in spiritual maturity by abiding in God’s presence through prayer and Bible reading. Furthermore, finding joy in trials sets a believer apart from the rest of the world. It allows those around us to see the gospel hope within us.
Let’s pray to our heavenly Father now:
Father, show us how different we can be from the person we are today. Give us a glimpse of what we’ll be like when we mature in our faith. And, if we can handle the truth, show us what our future self will be like if we don’t change.
In the meantime, Lord, remind us how important it is to count it all joy as we trust that You are in control – no matter what we’re going through, especially when we can’t “feel” You. Amen.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Today Can Be Different online and leave a comment. If you would like to subscribe to this blog and receive the most recent post to your inbox, see sidebar! There’s no charge for this service. AND, I’d be honored if you would consider sharing this post.
Finding joy in trials sets a believer apart from the rest of the world. It allows those around us to see the gospel hope within us.
Thank you for your articles , Sheryl! This last one on people not wanting to ‘ count it all joy’ was very good. Yes, we need reminds about our adversary, but also about the greatness of our God. I know I do, and I fall short to see Him instead of the pain of the moment, circumstance, etc. Thank you for your encouragement!
Thank you so much for sharing this, and for your kind words, Sandy. I’m grateful the message encouraged you. You’re right — we do need reminders about our adversary, but even more, we need to keep our eyes on the greatness of our God. It’s so easy to focus on the pain of the moment or the weight of our circumstances instead of on our powerful, compassionate heavenly Father. I fall short in this area too.
But I love how God gently calls us back to Himself. He never asks us to “count it all joy” in our own strength. He invites us to look at who He is, not just what we’re facing. And when we do, joy becomes possible again — even in hard places.
Thank you for your encouragement today. Your honesty and faith always minister to me.
I think it’s easier to count it all joy AFTER we’ve seen the principle in action, AFTER we’ve recognized growth in our relationship with God and we’re facing a new challenge.
But in our hardest moments, lifting up praise to the One Who loves us most truly does rescue us from the doom that’s trying to swallow us up, even if our heart isn’t quite in it yet, the joy will grow quickly.
God’s remedies are so easy, it seems like they could never work and the enemy of our souls is right there to encourage us to doubt.
Shake him off!
Thank you, Sherry. ❤️
Nice! Absolutely true. I pray we will all shake off the devil when he tries to get us to doubt.
Your comments are so well thought out, Helen, that I can tell you’re a writer!
The devil loves to entice us to think about the worst-case scenario. He loves to make us forget that God is far greater and much more powerful than he (the devil) ever could be.
He who is in you is greater than He who is in the world! We have hope in the Lord no matter our circumstances, because He is with us wherever we go! “Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.” 1 Peter 4:12-13. “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”” John 16:33. Thanks Sheryl!️⚓️
Isn’t that an amazing thought that greater is He Who is in us than he who is in the world!?! I love the confidence and security this verse gives, Kim! (As well as every verse in God’s Word, of course. 🙂 )
Thank you for stopping by, Kim. Most of all, thank you for your passion for God’s Word.