Good morning!
 
I woke up with this verse on my mind: James 1:2-4. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
 
If someone is going through “trials of various kinds” such as divorce, cancer, loss of loved ones, danger etc the last thing they may want to hear is a “don’t worry be happy” message. These afflictions weigh heavy with sleepless nights, depression, tears welling up in the eyes, and can reach a depth of suffering few can imagine.
 
What the scripture teaches us in this verse is not a thin veneer or a fake smile. James, the half brother of Jesus, knows suffering and persecution. He saw Jesus beaten and crucified and he himself will die a martyrs death. What James is teaching is the “trials of various kinds” produces a trusting maturity in knowing Jesus Christ as Savior. Christ will lead the believer through the temporary vale of suffering to the everlasting knowledge of victory, endurance and faith. It is a deepened trust as we look through the lens of God’s eyes instead of our own.
 
God’s got this. Hang on…. “that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”. He sees every worry, every tear, every heartache and pain. Touch the hem of His garment (Matthew 9:20-22) and you will be whole.   An old gospel song has this refrain:
   This world is not my home
    I’m just a-passing through
    My treasures are laid up
    Somewhere beyond the blue
    The angels beckon me
    From heaven’s open door
    And I can’t feel at home
    In this world anymore
I’ll count it all joy to reach as the apostle Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
 
Stir the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart into the coffee this morning.
 

         (Scott Primmer is an avid cowboy-shooting enthusiast and uses that platform to spread the good news with anyone who             will listen.   He is also part of New Creation)