Count It All Joy

David reminds us that even when we are surrounded by adversity and feel the pressures of opposition and despair, Yahweh’s rod and staff comfort us (Psalm 23:4). The rod of God’s correction and the staff of his protection bring guidance, protection, and provision…reassuring us of His presence with us and of our relationship with Him and His children. 


Sometimes we get so ruffled by circumstances that we forget our position. We forget that we, as believers in Christ Jesus’s deity, rule, and redemptive power, are hidden in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 1:27; Colossians 3:3; 1 John 4:13). The only way our circumstances could get to us was by going through Jesus. 


Whatever we are experiencing, God allowed it. It had to go through God’s vetting and to get His approval before it even touched our lives. All things bow to God. Yes, even "that"!


He is the Sovereign Ruler. 


While God did not send the tragedy or painful circumstance, He allowed it with certain promises: 

  1. God is with us in it all. God promises us refuge and hope in all things and at all times. (Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 34:19; Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 28:20;  John 16:33; Romans 8:38-39; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 4:12-13)

  2. God makes all things new and beautiful. God promises us victory, wholeness, and triumph and will use circumstances to shape us into the likeness of His holiness. (John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 1:6-7)



So, let’s resolve to hold fast to God’s promises, to stand on truth, and to count it all joy! 

(James 1:2-4)

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