Count It All Joy

In my youth I found James 1:2 very troubling. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (KJV). Truth to be told I found certain temptations very pleasurable - which of course makes it so tempting!

But whatever delight was experienced quickly gave way to regret and shame. Worse many people were hurt by my selfishness. So how was it possible to find joy - or as one Bible translation puts it as pure joy - when falling into various temptations?

God will never tempt us to sin (James 1:13). Still temptations will present itself. It may be from our own flesh, the world or the devil. The word temptation used in James 1:2 also means trials. The purpose of a trial is to test the fidelity, integrity, virtue and constancy of our character. God will permit trials but He provides the grace and power to overcome. The end result of a trial is conformity to His image.

And that leads us to the key word found in the verse. James instructs us to count it all joy. The word count in English could be translated as esteem but in the original it means "what goes before, in front". In other words, when we encounter trials or temptations (sometimes both at the same time!) we should keep in mind that there is a purpose that's leading us to something of greater value and purpose. And that is found in the next couple of verses: "...But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (verse 4).

Beloved, most of our temptations are driven by a lack or need but rather than wait for God to respond we often take matters in our hands.

True joy is denying ourselves what we think is our right to possess. Rather we give way to God to possess us with a faith to believe He is more than able to meet our needs and desires.

Recall David had sinned in committing adultery and murder. God said to him, "I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more."(2 Samuel 12:8, NIV).

Beloved, we must believe God can give us much more than what we feel our flesh deserves. How much greater the joy of denying ourselves for His best! And that is the joy that gives us strength to endure while waiting upon God - His blessings and rewards don't come with shame, guilt or pain of hurting others.