What an unusual instruction for believers! How is it possible to show joy when we are facing deep, severe testing?
The phrase, "count it all joy" literally means to endure every trial with calmness and quietude. Thomas Boston entitled his book on suffering and affliction, "The Mute Christian Under the Rod of Afflicfion. " It is a matter of willingly and silently bearing up under our various troubles and difficulties. How is this possible for the believer? Here are five reasons.
1. Knowing that all afflictions come from God
The Psalmist wrote, "I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it. Ps. 39:9. No matter what the trial or how difficult, we acknowledge God as the author of all the afflictions that come upon us.
2. Knowing Christ as the anchor of the soul-
Of what use is an anchor where the seas are always calm. It is when the storm rages that the anchor is put down. Stability comes to the ship because of the weight of the anchor, regardless of the length of the storm. The Lord Jesus Christ, indwells the believer and is the anchor of his soul. His interceding for us is a strong consolation.
3. Knowing that our trials are given to test our faith-
This is only a test! God does not send these things to destroy us but to strengthen our faith. A storm will drive false faith away. Weak faith will tremble in the storm but Christ keeps it from going away. Strong faith, remains unmoved because it is attached to Christ and His throne of mercy.
4. Knowing that trials are common to all of God's children-
"Whom He loves. He chastens (Heb. 12:6). The word "chastens" means "to make weary or tire out. " God will whittle away from His children any confidence in themselves and bring them to trust only in His grace that is in His Son.
5. Knowing that any trial is but for a time –
Hebrews 12:11 says. "Afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness... Spurgeon said there is no calm more deep than that which succeeds a storm. Wait on the Lord and let patience have her perfect work!