I am trying to memorize the first chapter of James. It’s my favorite book of the Bible and it’s packed with the kind of spiritual truth that a gal like me, or any gal for that matter, needs at her disposal in a moments notice. The entire book of James is the ultimate goal, but realistic is where I’m starting. James 1:2 reads, “Consider it pure joy my brothers when you experience trials of many kinds…” Now this is not Tonya kind of thinking. This can only come from Jesus, so I’ve been repeating this verse over and over.
“I see Phoebe potty mama.” Consider it pure joy.
“Mrs. Stiles, we need you to stop your work again and come upstairs to answer another question about tile.” Yes there is still endless construction in my home. Pure joy.
“The freezer stopped working and we have to throw away all of our food. Yes, even all the stuff we bought at the grocery store two days ago.” Joy? Really? Okay Jesus; Pure joy.
But today, my world and all of its minor issues piled up so fast and so high that I was buried under overwhelmed and defeat before James 1:2 could escape my lips. By the time I had a clear moment to remind myself of James' words, my joy was so depleted that this truth wasn’t making its way past my mouth into my heart. Today didn’t feel like pure joy.
I was tired and empty and I so desperately wanted to crawl into my bed and escape the demands coming from every direction. I wanted sleep to be my refuge like it has been so many times before, but today instead of going to bed I went to Jesus.
I went with tears and frustration, confusion and fear, and He met me in the midst of it. Today was not great, and it didn’t get tied up in a neat bow, but Jesus gave me the strength to endure it head on, to persevere ‘til the end.
James 1:3 continues, “because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” That’s what Jesus rained down on me today – perseverance, and on a day like today that’s exactly what I needed.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth for a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may last for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (KJV)
So Good Nighteth to all Ye Fair Maidens. I bid you adieu ‘til morn from whence my joy cometh….I love me some King James Version.
P.S. I wrote this last night and due to major computer malfunctions and an OCD thing I got going on with the submit button, it didn't get submitted. I know now that Jesus was holding off so that this little praise report could be added.
This morning Warren said, "Man T, you were really sleeping hard last night." He had to go in last night for an emergency and I totally missed him coming home, the barking dog, the dog apparently falling out of bed from all the excitement, the other emergency call that came even later in the night, the whole bit. I was asleep in my Saviour's arms and He was giving me rest. The best rest I've had in months. Oh how I love Him so.
Maybe bed is not where you run for refuge, maybe your refuge is found at the mall, the gym, the pantry, or the TV. Maybe, prayerfully, you've discovered your refuge in Jesus and you know the peaceful rest that floods you like a tidal wave when you're nestled safely in His arms. I know that today will bring trials of many kinds and a testing of my faith. I pray for me and for you that when those times inevitably come we are reminded to consider it pure joy knowing the testing of our faith does produce perseverance. But, if the road seems to get too hard and our joy gets buried I pray we rest confidently knowing our refuge is found in Him and Him alone. I pray we remember to go to God and not to bed.
With much love,
Tonya
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