Count It All JOY...

We can "Count it all joy" because we know, that as Patience (continuing under the trial) has its PERFECT  (maturing) work in our hearts...we see all we have need of, in HIM.

It is these fiery trials that burn away, those attitudes that surface when struggles come.

Or, maybe it is the resentment that surfaces when these troubles intrude on our space. that needed to go. 

This was what He was after from the beginning. Attitudes that go deeper in the heart, that evidently express themselves in blame, by running from instead of welcoming conflict.  

Wanting comfort, instead of bearing the cross.  

Wanting a feeling, rather than walking by Faith. 

Wanting control, rather than trusting His heart.

 We tend to look at HOW it effects us 

rather than WHO is leading us.

It is in these testings we see the reality of our greatest need for HIM.  We can not resent what these trials reveal about us.  Our acceptance (counting them all JOY), makes way for His deliverance to us, in the midst of them.  

In some ways, this is a Painful Joy, that speaks to those who watch us, that our anchor is deep enough to withstand the strong winds, that would seek to take us down.  

O for a heart 
in perfect Peace

Compassion filled 
and care released

When facing fear 
by faith assured

To follow Him 
whose joy endured

O for a heart 
fully at rest

Secure in Him 
who know what’s best

To turn into 
the raging storm

Embracing trials 
where faith is born

O for a heart 
content and still

By trust in Him 
whose perfect will

The instrument 
of pain will use

To crush His’ sons – 
by men’s hands bruise

O for a heart 
when that will receive

Whatever helps 
men to believe

Be it painful trial 
or bruising rod

So long as men 
are brought to God

Am