Count it all joy
When trials arrive,
Testing your faith;
For patience strive.
Then patience yields
Its perfect deed,
Completes your life.
Gives all you need.
Wisdom you lack?
Come, ask the Lord.
He gives to all.
Your faults ignored.
But ask in faith,
Without a doubt,
Or you’ll be like
The sea, tossed about.
Be focused, sure,
Steadfast; believe.
Then from the Lord
You will receive.
Blessed is the man
Who endures trials.
When he prevails
God sees and smiles.
He will receive
The crown of life.
Promised by God
Through all the strife.
When man’s tempted
Let no man say,
”God tempted me.”
That’s not His way.
One is tempted
By his own sin.
He’s drawn away
By greed within.
Desires are born
And grow to be
Death, destruction,
Evil set free.
Don’t be deceived,
For all good gifts
Come from above,
Inspires and lifts.
Comes down to us
From the bright light
Of our Father,
Who leads the fight.
He does not change
Like shadows do.
He brings us forth
By the Word, true.
So we might be
Harvest’s first fruit.
Share the gospel.
Bold, resolute!
(Based on James 1)
This week, as I sit on the beach and watch the sea, the wind and the waves on beautiful Captiva Island, I am reminded of these verses from James 1. When we experience trials, disappointments, or adversities are we being tested? If so, do we fail or pass the test? Do we worry and become anxious or do we learn patience and obedience? Do we grow in faith and wisdom or are we like the sea’s waves that are tossed by the wind?
The book of James tells us that when we ask God for wisdom, but doubt Him while we are asking, we are like the waves of the sea – unstable and unsure. When we are being blown and tossed by the wind, God is the anchor for our souls, firm and secure. “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” (Hebrews 6:19) Hope comes from trust. Hope comes from prayer. Hope comes from knowing God is in control. That is wisdom. “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.” (James 1:5)
- Listen to God.
- Listen to wise people.
- Listen to your circumstances.
- Learn from the wisdom of God.
- Rest in the grace of God
