Treasures of the trials...

There is a song I absolutely love by Keith & Kristyn Getty called Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer.  A line in the song says "let the treasures of the trial form within me as I go." Ever since I first heard the song some time ago, that one line of the lyric has stuck in my mind like a bad habit.

One passage of Scripture I've always struggled with is found in James chapter 1 verses 2-4.  It says: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so you can be mature and complete, not lacking anything."


Consider it PURE JOY?  Really?  That's the part of this Scripture passage I've wrestled with.  I consider myself to be an optimist.  I'm one of those "glass half full" kind of people.  I look for the good in people and try to find the positives where they show up in life.  But when I'm going through a trial in my life, I think of it as anything but joy.  This is something I've prayed about on and off for years really - for God to help me discern what the meaning of this passage is.  And after all this time, He is finally allowing me to realize answer in the form of this beautiful song and through focusing on the concept of Gratitude with my sweet friend Melissa.

Like many things, I'm realizing these are all linked together.  God has been making it abundantly clear to me lately that the only way to experience true joy is to develop a heart and lifestyle of gratitude.  Joy that is centered on Christ is pure, lasting type of joy that transcends our circumstances.  It is steadfast and unmovable.  So when the Scripture tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials, that's what it means.  Finding the treasures in the trials - realizing that Godly joy is steadfast and doesn't change when even we face our biggest trials.

Here is the link to the song (lyrics are below): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIyXwldPup4

"Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer"

Music by Keith Getty; Words by Margaret Becker

Copyright © 2002 Thankyou Music

Jesus draw me ever nearer

As I labor through the storm.

You have called me to this passage,

and I'll follow, though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing,

May I rise on wings of faith;

And at the end of my heart's testing,

With Your likeness let me wake.

Jesus guide me through the tempest;

Keep my spirit staid and sure.

When the midnight meets the morning,

Let me love You even more.

Let the treasures of the trial                                 

Form within me as I go -

And at the end of this long passage,

Let me leave them at Your throne.