"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:2, 3 NKJV)

Joy in the midst of a trial?  That's a bit of an oxymoron, don't you think?  Yet, we are told again in 1 Peter chapter 1 to rejoice in our sufferings (verse 6) and again in Romans 5:3.  We all know that anytime God repeats Himself, He is making a point. 

Because rejoicing in suffering is such a contrast of an emotion to have, it is not easy to do whatsoever.  It is a strength builder like lifting weights.  The more I lift weights, the more strength I build in my muscles, and eventually I can lift heavier weights.  Likewise, the more I rejoice when suffering, the more strength I build in my faith, and eventually it's not so hard to rejoice. 

So how do I rejoice when feeling such pain?  Start by giving thanks.  Think about all the ways in which God is blessing you and focus on those things.  Next, start each day new.  Leave the weight of yesterday behind.  Praise God for a new day and pray for Him to give you a bright outlook on the day as well as to be equipped for whatever the day shall bring.  Finally, rejoice by being still.  Yep, there it is again.  Being still allows God to be at work, and not us.  God's power is more present and more perfect in our weakness; therefore, be still and let God work.

"But let patience have  its  perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:4 NKJV)

"But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:13 ESV)

Be Still

I'm learning.  I'm not just learning to be still; rather, I'm learning that by being still, I am more able to learn.  "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him" and "Be still and know that I am God" are two phrases in the psalms (37 and 46 respectively) that command us to be prepared to learn.  I know that when I am teaching, I feel I have my students utmost attention when they are still.  I feel they are more willing and apt to hear what I'm going to teach them when they aren't fidgety and talkative.

Being still isn't just about being quiet, being immobile, or being at peace.  It is about being a willing student ready to learn from the Master Teacher.  It's putting aside all distractions, emotions, stresses, and control.  It's about listening to the Shepherd's voice and letting Him lead.  It's about trust.  It's about hope.  It's about faith.

Be still and wait patiently.  Know God.  Trust Him.  He's got you, and He wants to teach you something.  His power is made perfect in our weakness. Be still.

Live Contentedly

"I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." Philippians 4:11-13 (MSG)

I'm inspired to aspire a life of contentment.  When I'm discontented, I complain.  When I recognize all the ways of which I am blessed, I give praise.  Therefore, to live a contented life, I must live a life of thanksgiving.  God in His mercy and grace has given me (and you) a promise of eternal life.  What more shall I (we) be in need of?  Yet, in my sinfulness, I want more--more attention, more affection, more acceptance.  I have been promised all of those; and yet, I want more.  I have been discontented because I haven't been thankful.  I've been focusing on what I don't have, instead of what I do.  I want to be like Paul, who says in Philippians 4 that he has learned to be quite content whatever the circumstances because he has learned to be who is in God.

The way I see it, to live a life of contentment no matter the circumstance, I must immerse and keep myself immersed in Christ.  It's like I've been dipping my toes in the pool, but I haven't plunged in.  I've been shivering in the cold because I haven't been under the waters of God's warmth.  I lose my sense of self when I'm not swimming in God's Word. 

I went to a Hillsong concert last weekend, and for two-and-a-half hours I was totally saturated in worship and praise.  I couldn't imagine being anywhere else or doing anything else.  I would've stayed in that place forever.  Indeed, it gave me a glimpse of heaven, but it also showed me that when I'm in complete worship, I am in complete content.  I need nothing.  I am full.

My recipe, then, for happiness and contentment is to live a life of gratitude that gives glory to God no matter the circumstance.  How great is our God and most worthy of praise!  Immerse yourself today in His word.  Give Him thanks for He is good and His love endures forever.