Joy

by Jill Hart

After seeing the movie "The Passion of the Christ", I have been pondering these verses:

 

"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).

 

What an amazing sacrifice our Savior made for us! He truly counted it pure joy to bear the burden of our sins, so that we might spend eternity with Him. That's HUGE. That's the most amazing thing I've ever heard. But how do we, mere humans, even begin to "consider it pure joy" when we suffer? I can't say that I'm always glad when hard times begin.

 

So, as I pondered all of this, I began thinking about what I could be thankful, or joyful, for in each of the hard times I could remember. I realized that through all the illness, the loss, the pain, the one thing that stood out to me was that God has been faithful to me through it all. There's never a moment, not even when I've been angry with, that He's left my side. He has been faithful to me even though I've never deserved it. It's beyond my comprehension, but I am so thankful for Him and all he's done for me.

 

What better reason than that to be joyful?!

 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

 

 

© Jill M Hart

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About the Author:  Jill Hart is the author of the e-book, 2 Weeks Devotional Journey for Christian Work at Home Moms, and the founder and editor of Christian Work at Home Moms CWAHM.com. Her site is dedicated to providing work at home moms with opportunities to promote their businesses while at the same time providing them spiritual encouragement and articles. E-mail Jill at jill@cwahm.com for additional information or stop by her site at www.cwahm.com.