Count It All Joy...

Sometimes, when I’m playing the drum set, a little bit of skin gets stuck between my stick and wedding ring. As it gets pinched, a blood blister develops. Every time that pain happens, I look at the contusion. Then, the focus shifts to the wedding ring. I think about how pretty Mallory looked in her dress that day. I think about how far we’ve come since then, and I begin to smile, as the band on my finger is also reassuring and nostalgic.

When you think about it, it’s almost like the pain brings me to a point of reflection on how much I love my wife and family, and how blessed I am to be married to her.

In thinking about this habitual pain, I think about when we face various trials in life. A scripture that has been floating around in my head over the past year is one that I used to quickly forget since I felt entitled to be upset or frustrated during troublesome situations.

James 1:2-6

New King James Version (NKJV)

Profiting from Trials

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

I think we as believers have the ability to shape our hearts, minds, and spirits into knowing the truth of the matter. In situations where you face various trials, remember that these are strengthening your faith and making you trust God even further.

When times like these come, you can begin to smile from the pain, because just like my wedding ring and the memories it possesses, God is right in the midst of your storm, hoping you’ll trust him to lead the way. I know it’s hard, and it’s something I personally struggle with every day, but in the end, always know that he is right there with you, and just believing that will set you up for success while facing your various trials.