Consider it pure joy....

The North Way ladies who participate in the Beth Moore studies just finished a study on the book of James. James starts out by telling his readers: "Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Many folks know that I am in a season of darkness, trial, and loss. I have rehearsed this Scripture and quoted it to myself many times. I am cool with allowing perseverance to finish its work. I am looking forward to being mature and complete one day. But "consider it joy"??? Yeah, I'll get right on that! Admittedly, I have never really understood that Scripture. I have also read stories of people like Corrie Ten Boom who thanked God for the trials and pain she faced. I truthfully thought that goal was unattainable for me - like I might run in the Pittsburgh Marathon first! Yesterday afternoon more pain came for me. As I sat on my couch and cried, I wondered how much more pain I would have to endure - and how in the world I was supposed to be thankful for it. Well, James also tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask for it. So I did, and I received. Through conversations and events that unfolded yesterday afternoon and evening, God began to show me a more in-depth look at His heart and His love for His people. He showed me how we (and more specifically I) cause Him pain daily. He wants to pour out His love and care on us, yet we ignore Him and seek blessing in other places. We say we love Him and He is our Lord, yet we get too busy for Him. We act like spending time with Him is a chore, not a joy. But all the while, God just keeps on loving us. He keeps on caring no matter how much pain we cause Him. He never turns His back on us. He never gives up on us when we wander away. He forgives us when our mouths tell Him one thing, and our actions speak otherwise. None of this changes Him or how He loves us. He loves unconditionally, and even loves through His pain - as we witnessed on the cross. I saw this in a new and deeper way yesterday. It changed me. Last night I realized that I never would have seen this if it weren't for the pain in my own life. God had to bring me pain to show me His pain - and therefore show me His deep love for us. Does my heart still hurt? Yes. But I am also filled with such joy. God allowed me to see more of Him and know Him deeper. If this is what I get when life's trials come... then I really can consider it pure joy. Nothing brings me more joy than the heart of my Savior - and if it takes pain to open my eyes... than I am thankful for the pain.