Pure Joy?
James 1:2,3; 12
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Pure Joy?! Yeah, right. That’s a tough one to swallow – at least for me. Maybe ‘developing perseverance’ isn’t at the top of my list right now. But maybe that’s not my choice. Accepting a different plan – God’s plan – for my life can be challenging. Sometimes I feel like a child talking back to their parent when they aren’t happy with the situation. ‘Why?’ (Because I said so) ‘You can’t make me.’ (Yes, I can). This stinks. (It’s for your own good) And just like a parent, my heavenly Father knows that life is hard sometimes. But He wants to embrace me with His love and take my hand as He walks with Me through the ‘valleys’ of life. He also wants to be there for the mountaintops, too.
God doesn’t leave me alone in the trials. He’s always there and He even uses those trials for good. (Romans 8:28) He develops my faith and deepens my relationship with Him. Later in James 1, He makes this promise:
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.
God is working on me and in me. He gives me little gifts to encourage me along the way. As I go to my radiation treatments each morning I listen to Christian radio, and without fail, songs with encouraging words play right into my heart. Let me leave with a few lines that I’ve found meaningful. I hope you do, too.
No Fear
Yea, though I walk through the valley…
I will have no fear; no fear.
The mighty power of Jesus is fighting for me here
No fear. No fear.
The light of the world makes the darkness disappear.
Hard Fought Hallelujah
Yeah, I don’t always feel it,
Yeah, but that’s when I need it the most,
So, I’m going to keep on singing
‘Til my soul catches up with my song…
‘Cause God, You’ve been patient,
God, You’ve been gracious,
Faithful, whatever I’m feeling or facing.
So I’ll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt, it-is-well hallelujah.
Firm Foundation
I’ve still got joy in chaos. I’ve got peace that makes no sense
And I won’t be goin’ under. I’m not held by my own strength
‘Cause I’ve built my life on Jesus. He’s never let me down
He’s faithful through every season. So why would He fail now?
He won’t…
Rain came, wind blew; My house was built on You
I’m safe with You; I’m gonna make it through,
‘Cause I’m standing strong on You.
Yeah, I’m gonna make it through,
‘Cause my house is built on You.
Dawn Lubker, Director of Ministries
