Foot Stomping Shouts

Every single time I read this verse, I am transported back to a very specific place and time. It was only a couple of months after John’s death; I was in my room, and, with tears flowing, I was yelling to God, or James, or Jesus, or ANYONE who might have been listening. As I was shouting, I was stomping out each word for emphasis; I. Do. Not. Count. This. As. JOY. I just wanted everyone to be clear on the subject. I did not find it even remotely joyful. Not for a second.

Have you ever been taken down and pulled under by a wave? One second, you are bobbing up and down in the sea and sun, and the next, you are being swept under and turned over and over. You are swimming like crazy, everything is murky and totally disorienting, but you keep swimming, searching for an escape. Your lungs feel like they will burst, your limbs are on fire, and you are straining for the surface until you finally shoot out of the water, sputtering and gasping for air. While you are underwater, it is never fun. James and I will have to agree to disagree on his wording of this verse. Trials in themselves aren’t joyful; the exultation comes with the survival. And when you can see how God reached straight into that trial and pulled you out, that is good. That is very good.