ineffable joy

Ineffable Joy

Have you seen it? Felt it? Been witness to it? Do you understand it? Or, does it confuse you?

Joy - in the midst of heartache.

Joy - in the midst of suffering.

It has happened before, and sometimes the chasm between the joy experienced, and the present situation is indescribable perhaps even unspeakable. James had words for this situation he said, Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. What must be noted is that this is actually a command, it is not something that happens naturally. It is as if it is a state you must at times force your way into. 

Counting, or considering - in other translations - is a means of action, a determined will goes here, that is to say it is a lot of work, more so than the average circumstance. It is also more work for some than others, in the depicting times of our lives, times, that is, which show forth our true character. And here we have the commingling of current character and future character. For certain these times of "various" trials do show forth our current character, the way we interact with our circumstance, they way we talk, act, what we do, but in a very real sense these times are also the formation of a new yet-to-be-character, an emerging self. Here (in the midst of trial) I believe we are faced with only two distinct reactions, considering it joy - or not. These two reactions complete a crystalizing effect on our character. The "not-considering-it-joy" reaction also completes a work in us, one which James would rather NOT talk about here, it is best described as the hardening of the heart - it is spoken about elsewhere.

Instead we are told the proper focus in the midst of trial brings about the production of something, beyond ourselves. Steadfastness is the product of this viewpoint of trial and this we are told when it has reached its pinnacle, when we are literally unshakable this produces one who is perfect and complete lacking in nothing - one who would willingly for instance, to bow before the torturers unchained in honour of He who first planted the seed of faith in our hearts.

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