Count It All Joy

Have you ever lost a loved one? Have you ever faced trials and temptations? Have you ever been laid off from a job you cherished? Have you ever battled with an illness? Have you ever experienced academic failure or setback? Have you ever experienced pain? Is there something you lack? Oh yes! Life is full of ups and downs—but do not give up.

Looking closely at James 1:2, KJV, we find the phrase my brethren expresses the spirit of fellowship. Another word for count is consider, or think.

Counting all joy means “experiencing pure, undiluted joy in the midst of life’s tests and trials.” Christian joy is based on faith in God’s overruling providence.

The clause when you fall indicates that, as Christians, we can expect to face temptation. Though tempting situations are hopefully unsought and unexpected, a Christian should not be caught unaware. The temptations to which James refers include any major obstacle that can easily overwhelm a person whose mind is not stayed on God (see Isaiah 26:3, KJV).

Divers means “various.” We all know temptation means “test, trial, afflictions, and trouble.” This covers many things, including sickness, persecution, poverty, and calamities.

Trials, whether expressly designed by Satan to tempt man to sin or just to annoy and harass him, are always a test of the Christian experience.

We often forget that suffering and temptations are important for the formation of character; it is a hallmark of the Christian faith. In the midst of trials, some blame God; some even lose their fellowship with God. However, there is no experience in life, no matter how bitter or disappointing, that is not in the providence of God and does not, by the grace of Christ, contribute to Christian growth. They can bring us closer to God and enrich our understanding of His love for us. Our God will see us through.

Trust Him, for this too shall pass, and it will not be long before He will come to take us home. Until then, let us count it all joy!

Elizabeth Oluwaseun Adebayo (née Babawale)