The Untouchable

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials…” James 1:2

It was a beautiful sunny morning as I watched my wee great grandson running down the sidewalk ahead of me. He was laughing out loud with sheer delight. His little legs were churning, his arms waving in celebration, his curly head bobbing up and down as he ran with abandon on the verge of losing all control. He was an expression of pure joy. I had a smile on my face as I tried valiantly to keep up with him.

I understand that kind of joy. But how do you have joy in the midst of suffering? It seems one would exclude the other.

As I watched my little one, it came to me. If I was having a migraine, if my finances were upside down, if my marriage was failing, this little guy would have still put that smile on my face. His joy and my joy in him had nothing to do with my situation or circumstance.

That thought exploded exponentially in my mind as I thought of Jesus and all He meant to me, all He had done for me, all that He had promised me. Nothing in this world can ever touch that. And on my darkest day, that joy inexpressible and full of glory will sustain and strengthen me through any fiery trial. The prophet Habakkuk expressed it like this: (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vine…Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls – Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Father, You are my joy. Whatever may come, You are more than enough. You put a smile on my face. Amen!