Count it All Joy

Father, what joy it is to stand in Your light, seeing abundance and increase all around us. And what joy it is to be able to stand in utter darkness, calling our Your Name and watching the darkness shatter and flee.

What joy it is to see others run to You, giving all they have for the glory of Your Name. And what joy is the grace to fall weeping before Your throne for those unwilling to yield.

What joy it is to know one day all weeping and crying, all sorrow and pain, will cease and You will reign forevermore. And what joy it is knowing nothing on, above, or below this earth can separate us now from the love of Christ.

What joy it is to stand surrounded by Your goodness, declaring Your love and faithfulness. And what joy it is to stand mired up to our necks in the world's filth and evil and still be able to worship, declaring Your mercy, justice and victory.

What joy it is to run into battle, full of strength and life. And what joy is in falling at Your feet broken and bleeding, knowing You are faithful to heal and restore.

What joy it is to know that You are the I AM, unchanging, unfailing, forever faithful, trustworthy, and true.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:2.3).

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