Count it All Joy
By Katherine Kehler

Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1: 2,3,4

My husband quotes this verse a lot. I used to dislike it when he quoted this verse because I knew I did not count it joy when I had difficulties. I counted it a nuisance. But God has been teaching me and finally it has become clear to me why I need to count it all joy.

I read a book recently called "Majestic is Your Name". It contained a collection of writings by Teresa of Avila, written in the 15th century. She wrote,

"Be happy when you are blamed and accused wrongly, for then you have the chance to see all the bitter, hostile, or self-pitying responses that your sinful soul wants to spew out---as if these puny things could in any way defend you! Watch and see if any of these poisons come out of you when your spirit is pricked by an accusation. Only then can you see yourself as you are, and confess thy sin that is within you, and forsake yourself again into the Lord's care."

You see, when we run into difficulties, we either respond in joy to our Lord, or react negatively. Our response is the barometer as to how we are doing spiritually.

Lord Jesus, I do thank you for the trials that come into my life. Whenever my soul is pricked by a sarcastic remark, or am misunderstood, or am slighted by someone, my reaction to this lets me realize again that I am a sinner, desperately in need of your strength to respond in love and kindness and patience. Thank you for continually pointing out my need of total reliance on you. Amen.

About the Author

As a grandmother, Katherine J. Kehler founded the Internet ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, Canada, starting web sites like http://www.christianwomentoday.com and http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com.