Consider it Pure Joy

I have been dealing with a situation in my extended family this month which has left me feeling drained, emotionally and physically. Several of my dear friends are also facing their own personal trials, and I am grieved. But although I am hurting inside, I am not discouraged.

The Lord has been ministering to me through His Word. Today, he reminded me of the time when Elijah was so weary that he sat down under a tree and prayed, “Lord, I have had enough.” He was so tired he literally wanted to die. But the Lord sent angels to meet his physical needs, and when Elijah had eaten and rested, he felt better.

It is important, especially during times of crisis, to remember to eat and to get adequate rest. I’m having to discipline myself to do both! But even more importantly, this passage encourages me that the Lord loves His children and He ministers to them tenderly when they feel worn out.

Our family devotions today was from the book of 1 Samuel. Jonathan and his armor bearer went up against the Philistine army all alone, and defeated them. Before going into battle, Jonathan said to his servant, “Nothing can hinder the
Lord from saving, whether by two or by many”. It was an encouragement to me that even when the situation seems bleak, the Lord is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”.

Finally, I am encouraged as I focus on what my attitude should be in times of trial.

“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 its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

It is hard to feel joyful when we are facing trials, but the Lord gives joy as we turn our hearts toward him with thanksgiving and praise. I was discouraged today as we didn’t have much time for school because urgent needs demanded my attention. But I said to the kids, “I am grateful that we have a life that allows us the flexibility to serve others when they need us.”

The Lord I serve did not promise that everything would be roses. His was a crown of thorns, and he said,“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

That is the hardest part of enduring trial: choosing, daily, to deny myself and to willingly and patiently take up my cross.

James goes on to write, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1: 12

Isn’t that what it’s all about? I can sleep at night, knowing that my trials come from the providential hand of my loving Father. He is the One Who marked out the race I would run, before the foundation of the earth was laid. And I must run it, and run it “in such a way as to get the prize”, because the crown I am striving for will last forever.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12: 1-3