Count it all Joy
Count it all joy
When suffering rattles your being,
And brings you down to your knees
Knowing that the Lord pours beauty on ashen faces
The light of his favour will cause you to glow
Count it all joy
When the road is steep and broken,
And hope feels like a question
For you are being refined in the fire
And these trials are building you up into Christ
Count it all joy
For pain in labour will bring gladness.
Suffocate the sorrow with praise—
Singing songs of victory in tears
Count it all joy
When you’re demoted to ashes
His flames are pure—
You will live, and be more precious than gold
Count it all joy
When tested in the school of the Lord
Endure till the end like a valiant soldier,
Triumphant and ready for battle,
Standing strong and victorious in Christ.
Wordspiration
The title of this poem is adapted from the popular opening words of the book of James 1:2 & 3 KJV, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
I wrote this poem and words while facing an intense trial, and every word comes from the place of understanding that trials are never easy on the flesh. I must confess that going through any kind of trial or trouble can be challenging. Most of the time, trials weigh heavily on our emotions and fight to dictate our actions and responses.
But every time I read these verses in James and several words on sufferings and trials by Apostle Paul—read Romans 5:3–5, 1 Corinthians 11:23-33, 2 Corinthians 1:3–10, 4:8–18—I am reminded again that the Christian life isn’t one without thorns. If we let them, every trial, albeit difficult, always brings out the best in our attitude. Trials serve to mature us and sculpt our spiritual muscle. I pray that no matter what we may be going through — be it a loss, prolonged illnesses, hurts, betrayal, etc, may we not feel abandoned, hopeless and alone. May the Lord fill us with hope, trusting in the everlasting love of Christ.
Prayer
Father, teach me to rejoice even in trials. When pain surrounds me, anchor my heart in hope. Help me to endure, grow, and trust you through it all, knowing you are shaping me for your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
