It is easy to label experiences as either pleasant or unpleasant. Yet, the Bible teaches, “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2, 3)
It does not say that the trials will bring joy, but is says to count it all joy. The word” it” means the totality of everything that happens to us. This is why we must not divide situations into either good or bad. All experiences permitted by God should be our source of joy. Momentarily, let us consider how we have been dealing with situations. Did we count our week “all joy,” or have we already divided some experiences into the realm of the unpleasant? If so, than our minds have been programmed with the wrong substance. If we do not program the right thoughts in our minds, then they will never produce the right action. It has been said, “Garbage in, garbage out.”
A proper view of our lives is vital to ensure proper spiritual growth. “All things are of God” (II Corinthians 5:18a). “For all things are for your sakes” (II Corinthians 4:15a). We begin in this positive thinking process by simply believing that these verses are true. Then, instead of reacting in our old sin nature, we are able to count all things joy. “The joy of the Lord is our strength” (Nehemiah 8:10a)
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