Consider Joy

     I have recently had the honor of sharing a course by Howard Hendricks entitled, "Living By The Book."  Many of have probably already gone through the course or know something about it.  The final part of the course deals with the area of application.  It is concerned with the applying of what you have learned from the observation and interpretation sections into your life.  In other studies, especially in the Book of Ephesians, I have emphasized the number of imperatives that are mentioned in Ephesians, 4, 5 and 6.  Imperatives are those things that we might otherwise term as "commands."  James 1:2 says, " My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;"
       Professor Hendricks mentioned several times that there were over 50 different commands in the Book of James.  When you begin looking at the book, it doesn't take long to begin finding the commands.  The above verse is one of them.  Commands are not easy to do and this is probably why God has given them to us.  The above verse reminds us we have many different temptations going on in our lives each and every day.  What are we supposed to do?  James reminds us that we are to "count it all joy."  In light of the temptation, we are to consider joy as our alternative.  Some temptations, such as discouragement, depression, fear and grief, all weight in heavily in our lives.  It may seem a bit cruel to consider joy during these times, but the temptation suddenly loses strength and gives way to a singing heart instead of a heavy heart.  Now, remember that there are over 50 different commands and the considering joy is but one of them.  Application of the Bible passages into our lives means that the Word of God is in the process of changing us and that we are growing in the Lord each and every day.  If you are going through some heavy trial at the moment, refocus your attention on the joy of the Lord.  You may even want to quote this verse back to God as you meditate on this passage of Scripture.  Remember that you got through yesterday and the day before yesterday, and you will get through today.  Praise God that He answers when we call out to Him.