DON'T WORRY REJOICE AND COUNT IT ALL JOY

DON’T WORRY REJOICE AND COUNT IT ALL JOY

Proclamation:

“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 mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4 (NIV)

 

Explanation:

These Holy Spirit inspired words were written by James, the half brother of Jesus, The Christ, to the scattered believers after the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.  He told them that their trials and troubles serve a purpose.  They are only tests which strengthen and increase their faith and lead towards spiritual maturity.

 

Application:

Have you ever been down in the dumps and felt like you've been whipped and defeated?  God can lift you up, plant your feet on a solid rock, help you to climb any mountain and walk in high places no matter how rough the terrain. (Habakkuk 3:18-19 and Psalms 18:32-33)  Whatever situation we find ourselves in, we are to rejoice in The Lord because He is greater than our situation. If He brought us to it, He can bring us through it.  Remember that The Lord said, "My grace is sufficient." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)  Like the Apostle Paul learned to take pleasure in troubles because God’s strength is shown in time of human weakness.  We should count it all joy because we know that all things work together for the good of them that love The Lord. (Romans 8:28)  Our trials help us to grow.  We are still a work in progress.  So don’t worry when the storms of like come.  We are under the wings of protection of The One who controls the storms. (Psalms 91:4)  When trouble strikes, count it all as joy.  Our troubles won’t last for very long and joy is coming after them.  “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalms 30:5)  "Rejoice in The Lord always; and again I say, 'Rejoice’." (Philippians 4:4)