James 1:2 – “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”
Bad things happen in life that we do not cause, could not foresee, and could not prevent. James calls these events “divers temptations;” also translated as:
- various trials – Amplified Bible,
- various tests – Common English Bible,
- a lot of trouble – Contemporary English Version, and
- tests and challenges – The Message Bible.
No matter what the translation, trouble happens in everyone’s life sooner or later.
James instructs Christians to count it all joy when terrible things happen. In Count It All Joy posted February 17, 2020 ( http://bit.ly/2HwY4eM ), the blessings of considering life’s tests as joy was discussed, so I will not repeat them here. But I do want to ask, “What if you cannot count it all joy?”
This is an important question because planet earth has fallen into “divers temptations.” One hundred and fifty countries are presently under siege from a deadly disease, the coronavirus. Other countries will surely follow. According to Our World in Data, 30,451 people died from around the world as of March 29, 2020. On the same day, President Trump announced that because of the pandemic many people will also suffer from suicide, mental health issues, and drug use. They are missing one of the keys to get them through this pandemic: the joy of the Lord. “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Jeremiah 8:10). One answer is: share your joy! Allow them a taste of the joy of the Lord through acts of kindness. Provoke them to praise God. Examples are:
- One man blessed his cul-de-sac with a moving rendition of “Way Maker” sung loudly using a karaoke machine.
- Fairview Heights, IL. neighbors call seniors on their block to see who needs groceries.
- A fitness instructor on a roof gives his neighbors aerobic classes from their balconies.
- New Yorkers spend two minutes clapping for over-worked medical staff as they come to work.
The possibilities to share the joy of the Lord with those who desperately need it is unlimited. My multi-gifted friend, Deborah Holmes, posted an original poem on Facebook that helped many go through another day with a smile in their hearts. She gave me permission to reprint it here for you, Dear Subscribers.
I Shall See You Again
By Dr. Deborah E. Holmes
My dear, dear friend,
I miss seeing your face,
Because COVID-19
has me stuck in this place.
But distance, nor absence
Will ever cause me to forget
The love we shared
From the day we met.
But in the meantime,
I just want you to know
I’m praying for your safety
As you may come and go
To the store or to the doctor,
Or any common place,
That God’s protecting angels
Will cover your space.
Please proceed with caution
And follow the rules.
Stay in if you can,
It won’t give you the blues.
This, too, shall pass,
I truly believe
As we call upon the Father,
His promise we will receive.
He promised to be with us
Until the end of days;
So don’t forget to acknowledge Him
In all of your ways.
I hope to see you soon
To give you a hug again.
But for now, I send you my love
A despondent world under siege by the coronavirus needs God. What can you do to help them see how victorious the joy of the Lord can be? Join the Conversation.
Yes. This coronavirus has all of us safe in our homes. God is still in control. Many people are being cautious and that’s a good thing and with with the 6 feet rule. God can still heal us of this virus that many people are making an idol God over.
Thank you for the blog and for sharing the poem. The joy of the Lord is our strength. During this time, I’ve been led to spread cheer to those individuals that I haven’t seen or spoken with for a while. I’ve called, sent text messages, and mailed cards. Some were surprised, others were thankful that I had thought about them. These were small acts, but they brought joy to others.
Ola, thank you for spreading joy. Many are home alone. God will not forget your acts of kindness.
Robert Campbell, you are correct. God is in control. What a comforting thought.
Without the joy of the L ouuu rd, I would never leave home. So many are bound with fear. Almost paralyzed, unable to function. WHAT TIME I WOULD BE AFRAID, I WILL TRUST IN THE LORD. I find great comfort in the joy of the Lord. This study will help me stay focused.
.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
I wish I had was not so bull headed and listened to those who chose to allow famine, hurt, harm and danger to occur in the lives of our people.
Yep, they intentionally turned a blind eye and deaf ear.
Those who have, those who aren’t suffering or wanting for anything and those who are standing tall on the backs of those that cared more about theirs than us as a collective are doing exceptionally well and joyous.
Watching hunger is legislated and not joyous
Watching homelessness is legislated and not joyous
Watching ptsd is legislated and not joyous
Watching our children be academically failed is legislated and not joyous.
Watching the antichrist rule, hurt and harm and we sit back helpless and hopeless is sick and not joyous.
Marshata Caradine, the joy in these scriptures do not speak about a happy feelings from external conditions. Everything you listed is true, grievous, and unacceptable. We must do all in our power to resist, and correct intentional, legislated hunger, homelessness, systematically poor educational systems, hurt, and harm. These scriptures speak to the inner assurance that fortified Abolitionist Sojouner Truth, political Activist Harriet Tubman, Investigative Journalist Ida B Wells, Civil Right s Leader Dr. Martin Luther King. These scriptures express the confidence in the face of opposition that modern day Dr. William Barber, Stacey Abrams, Bernice King, Rev. Traci Blackmon, and Dr. Karen Anderson experience. Marshata, in Christ there is a “joy” on the inside that equips you to deal with injustice without hatred and bitterness, knowing that God will bring you through victoriously.
Dr. Haire thank you for sharing. Everyday I look forward to sharing positive words, laughter, posting on social media, calls, walking thru my neighborhood expressing joyful comments and smiles. How am I doing this, thru God’s mercy and grace, prayer throughout the day and each day professing that this is the day that the Lord has made, I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLADE IN IT!
Judy, these acts of kindness you mention are important. You do not know who in your neighborhood is depressed, anxious, or fearful. Your joyful comments brings joy to them. Thank you.
This season that we are living in can be used as a tool of evangelism. A phone call with a smile in your voice; a bag of essential items that may be needed; or some food for a senior or one who is disabled…as we count it all joy…we can help someone else do the same. Thank you Dr Haire for the reminder. Thank you for the poem, Dr. Holmes
Linda, you were a thoughtful person before the pandemic. Keep doing what you were already doing – spreading joy.
This season that we are living in can be used as a tool of evangelism. A phone call with a smile in your voice; a bag of essential items that may be needed; or some food for a senior or one who is disabled…as we count it all joy…we can help someone else do the same. Thank you Dr Haire for the reminder. Thank you for the poem, Dr. Holmes
I appreciate this! We need more light shining in these dark times. People are afraid, and the longer this pandemic lasts, hope fades. We must keep the light bright by sowing seeds of joy and peace. Thank you!
Adrian Taylor, you are a man of joy and peace. Many are blessed by you.
Thank you, Dorothy for your inspiring words! Very time ! Sharing joy! So very true and necessary. Loo Lo bed the poem. God bless and keep you safe.
Oceola, thank you for joining the conversation. I am so glad you were blessed by the poem. It brought me joy too.
Thank you for the blog and for sharing the poem. The joy of the Lord is our strength. During this time, I’ve been led to spread cheer to those individuals that I haven’t seen or spoken with for a while. I’ve called, sent text messages, and mailed cards. Some were surprised, others were thankful that I had thought about them. These were small acts, but they brought joy to others.
Sorry/ typos/ should say love the poem.
Thank you for sharing. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. We just have to remember, the Lord got this. We just have to be steadfast in our service. Call. “How you doing”? We make it hard on ourselves, because it is so easy. When I am weak, He is strong. Trust. Trust. Trust in the Lord, with all your heart. This too shall pass.
Cecilia, thank you for reminding us it is as simple as picking up the phone.
Dr. Haire, thank you for helping me to remember that the joy of the Lord is my strength. No matter how bad things may seem. God is still in control and the joy of the Lord is my strength.
Helen, thank you for joining the conversation. It is comforting to know that “the joy of the Lord is my [our] strength.”
Thanks so much Dr. for this article. We, as the saints of God, have to be determined to have joy, unspeakable, each and everyday of our lives.
To God be the glory and thank for his mercy and grace to me every day I call someone to encourage them and pray for them. This is how I share my joy . Deacon Sheppard
Thank you for spreading joy, Ola Sheppard. The world needs it.
Thank you Dr. Haire for this reminder. I am living each day in anticipation of what God would have me to do and who He would lead me to bless. He has not failed to place people on my heart and then I move into action to meet their needs. I know He has gotten our attention so that we can become better at loving one another and showing kindness. Yes, we need each other, so my joy has not been disturbed because it’s because of Him that I can say, “it is well with my soul.” Thank you for sharing my poem that I hope will bless others. God bless you my sister. Sending you much love.
You are a true blessing to many. God’s continued abundant blessings to you, my Sister.
I am blessed to not have stress over this. The world is forever changed but I’m grateful for the essential workers so I can be safe at home. I go on my walks and I see where neighbors and families have chalked the driveways of all the heroes. Some driveways have the number of days their love ones have been away from home to fight this virus battle. More people are exercising, walking their dogs and riding bikes. Educators and therapists from my school districts are working from home and are just as busy but we can end our day early and spend it with our families. We are having zoom meetings and I get to see staff and parents that before was difficult because of work schedules and never having the time to work together to solve problems. God is in everything I see. This virus is tough but God is stronger. Praying for all to lean on God for strength and we will get through this together.
Stephanie, you are right, we will get through this. Your positive attitude is contagious so continue to spread it.
We are in times that our level of joy is made known to others and even ourselves. When we can greet others with a smile to encourage them then it can open up a door to be a witness of our faith, even during these trying times. Thanks for enlightening us even the more how keeping and expressing our joy really matters
Amen!
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