A time to laugh a time to cry

[Steven Bobb]

Sometimes people might take a statement and apply it to anything and everything, even when it's out of context. I believe one such statement is a verse where Jesus said "Count it all joy." He said "Count it all joy WHEN (a specific time) men persecute you for My sake, for such they did for the prophets. Rejoice because your reward is great in Heaven." But then, it looks like Christians have dropped the word "when" and applied "counting it all joy" to everything under the sun!! To me, being joyful under persecution for being Godly makes a statement. If someone, as I feel many Christians are implying, is "joyful" when you bang your finger with a hammer or if the dentist tells you he has to pull 5 teeth in the same visit and he's out of Novocaine, if you call 10 friends and state you're so happy that you're getting 5 teeth pulled without Novocaine, that doesn't make you a good Christian. It makes you a masochist. Also, don't we read that everything there is a season, a time to laugh, A TIME TO cry, a time to mourn? When we go to the funeral of an unsaved loved one, do we (according to certain Christians) "Count it all joy" that they died unsaved and are into hell? I mean Jesus Himself wept over Jerusalem and at Lazarus' death. I think based on that the verse is being taken out of context.

 

[Articles]

We understand your concern about the misapplication of the verse "Count it all joy" from James 1:2, and we appreciate your discernment in wanting to understand Scripture in its proper context. You are correct that this verse is often taken out of context and misapplied to every situation. Let's look at what the Bible says and address this issue together in prayer and discussion.

The verse you are referring to is: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance" James 1:2-3 WEB. The key word here is "when"—this joy is specific to the context of facing trials and temptations because of our faith in Jesus Christ. It is not a blanket statement for every unpleasant or painful experience.

As you mentioned, there is a time and a season for everything: "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance" Ecclesiastes 3:4 WEB. It is not only appropriate but also biblical to mourn and weep in certain situations. Jesus himself wept for Lazarus and over Jerusalem, showing that expressions of sorrow are not contrary to faith but a normal part of human experience.

Moreover, the idea of "counting it all joy" does not mean we rejoice in the suffering itself, but rather in the knowledge that our suffering for Christ's sake will be rewarded in heaven. It is a joy born out of hope and faith in God's promises.

Let us pray together:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving us your Word as a guide for our lives. Help us to understand and apply Scripture correctly, not taking verses out of context but using them as you intended. Give us discernment to know when to rejoice and when to mourn, according to your will.

Lord, we ask for comfort and guidance for those who are facing trials and temptations. Help them to count it all joy, not in the pain, but in the hope of the reward that awaits them in heaven. Help us to follow Jesus' example, who wept for the lost and suffering, showing us that it is right to mourn in certain situations.

We pray in Jesus name, Amen

There are a couple of things to rebuke and address. First, we must not be masochists and claim to enjoy suffering not meant for the sake of Jesus Christ. If we do not have joy about something, it is wrong to say we do and not be truthful. Second, we must be careful to always pray in Jesus name. You may have noticed we did that specifically in the prayer above. It is only through Jesus that we have access to God and it is only by Jesus that we can be saved.

When you encounter Christians misapplying this verse, perhaps you can respectfully remind them of its true context. It is not joy in the bad event but it is joy in the testing of our faith. We must be careful to follow scripture in context.

 

[hostadmin]

Hey there,

I wanted to chime in and share a bit more about this verse that's been on your heart. I think you've really hit the nail on the head with your perspective, and I appreciate your desire to understand and apply Scripture correctly.

You know, sometimes it's easy to take verses out of context and apply them to every situation, even when they're meant for specific moments. That's why it's so important to read the whole counsel of God's Word and not just snippets here and there.

I've been thinking about what you said about joy and sorrow. It's true that there's a time for everything, as Ecclesiastes tells us. We should indeed count it all joy when we face trials and temptations because of our faith, but that doesn't mean we should ignore or suppress our natural human responses to pain and loss.

I mean, even Jesus wept, right? He felt sorrow and grief, yet He was fully God and fully man. If He, in His perfect humanity, wept, then it's okay for us to mourn and weep too. It's part of being human and experiencing life in a fallen world.

So, let's not beat ourselves up if we don't feel joyful all the time. Instead, let's strive to be honest with ourselves and with God about what we're feeling. And let's remember that our joy is ultimately found in our relationship with Jesus, not in our circumstances.

Let's keep praying for discernment, for each other, and for those going through tough times. Let's pray that we'd all have the wisdom to know when to rejoice and when to mourn, and that we'd do so in a way that honors God and brings glory to His name.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

 

[Steven Bobb]

We understand your concern about the misapplication of the verse "Count it all joy" from James 1:2, and we appreciate your discernment in wanting to understand Scripture in its proper context. You are correct that this verse is often taken out of context and misapplied to every situation. Let's look at what the Bible says and address this issue together in prayer and discussion.

The verse you are referring to is: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance" James 1:2-3 WEB. The key word here is "when"—this joy is specific to the context of facing trials and temptations because of our faith in Jesus Christ. It is not a blanket statement for every unpleasant or painful experience.

As you mentioned, there is a time and a season for everything: "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance" Ecclesiastes 3:4 WEB. It is not only appropriate but also biblical to mourn and weep in certain situations. Jesus himself wept for Lazarus and over Jerusalem, showing that expressions of sorrow are not contrary to faith but a normal part of human experience.

Moreover, the idea of "counting it all joy" does not mean we rejoice in the suffering itself, but rather in the knowledge that our suffering for Christ's sake will be rewarded in heaven. It is a joy born out of hope and faith in God's promises.

Let us pray together:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving us your Word as a guide for our lives. Help us to understand and apply Scripture correctly, not taking verses out of context but using them as you intended. Give us discernment to know when to rejoice and when to mourn, according to your will.

Lord, we ask for comfort and guidance for those who are facing trials and temptations. Help them to count it all joy, not in the pain, but in the hope of the reward that awaits them in heaven. Help us to follow Jesus' example, who wept for the lost and suffering, showing us that it is right to mourn in certain situations.

We pray in Jesus name, Amen

There are a couple of things to rebuke and address. First, we must not be masochists and claim to enjoy suffering not meant for the sake of Jesus Christ. If we do not have joy about something, it is wrong to say we do and not be truthful. Second, we must be careful to always pray in Jesus name. You may have noticed we did that specifically in the prayer above. It is only through Jesus that we have access to God and it is only by Jesus that we can be saved.

When you encounter Christians misapplying this verse, perhaps you can respectfully remind them of its true context. It is not joy in the bad event but it is joy in the testing of our faith. We must be careful to follow scripture in context.

Amen

 

[Cinu]

Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)

sermons

Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”

 

[usha rani]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. Thank You Jesus!!!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You. Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. Bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, and Your righteousness. Help and strengthen me God to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus. Transform and renew my mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager, Woman of God, Prayer Warrior, Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach.

God Is In Control

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[Astiyrath]

Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.