James 1:2-4 [ESV] says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for
you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let
steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing.” I memorized these verses primarily in the New American
Standard where words like “consider” and “endurance” are used. In the English
Standard Version we see the words “count” and “steadfastness.” While these
words intend the same meaning and are accurate translations into English,
comparing them and our understanding of the different English words used helps
paint a better picture of what is really meant and maybe even better appreciate
the richness of their meanings.
“Consider” and “count,”
they both have the meaning of weighing something as real and present. And what
we are to think as true and count up as a reality is the joy we have in knowing
all that our Lord and God is to us, that He is sovereign over our
circumstances, that He has wrapped His hands around us, that He will complete
what He started, that He is intimately aware of every aspect of our
circumstances, and that He will not fail in bringing His good purposes to
completion. As we consider each of these truths and we count the unlimited number
of them, applying them to our particular situation then we indeed can find joy –
a joy based in our relationship with God and His being with us. When we weigh
this against our trials, our trials don’t come close to measuring up to our
God.
“Endurance” and “steadfastness”
also are both accurate words, which give a little different flavor to the
passage. Endurance stresses the ability to come through while steadfastness
might even speak to how we do it. It is not that the words are any different,
but that they might bring different thoughts to our mind. In fact, the same
word translated “endurance” in the New American Standard is also translated “steadfastness”
as in Colossians 1:11-12 where we read, “strengthened with all power, according
to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience;
joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the
inheritance of the saints in Light.” Interestingly here in Colossians, while
the NAS uses “steadfastness” the ESV uses “endurance” further illustrating
their interchangeable nature. In Colossians we read that along with steadfastness
comes patience, again as we joyously give thanks to God our Father. You see,
the joy is not in the pleasure of the situation, but in the hope we have in our
God. In Psalm 57:7 David proclaims, “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is
steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!”
Today Sarah writes about God’s involvement in our lives and
our need to stay conscious of Him, especially in those times of drudgery or
struggle. When things seem to be unraveling knowing that our God isn’t and that
He will keep you from it yourself is huge.
Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (6/1)
I am involved in each moment of your life. I have carefully
mapped out every inch of your journey through this day, even though much of it
may feel haphazard. Because the world is in a fallen condition, things always
seem to be unraveling around the edges. Expect to find trouble in this day. At
the same time, trust that My way is perfect, even in the midst of such messy
imperfection.
Stay conscious of Me as you go through this day, remembering
that I never leave your side. Let the Holy Spirit guide you step by step,
protecting you from unnecessary trials and equipping you to get through
whatever must be a endured. As you trudge through the sludge of this fallen
world, keep your mind in heavenly places with Me. Thus the Light of My Presence
shines on you, giving you Peace and Joy that circumstances cannot touch.
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is
flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30
“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right
hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
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