Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. (James 1:2 ESV)
Decoder Glasses
We think of Eeyore is being depressed, sorrowful, and full of shadows.
Sometimes we might relate to that way of thought.
But one of the Fruits of being a Christian is that we can have joy.
Eeyore does have joy, actually. He can see that reason for joy exists. It is a matter, sometimes, of perspective. For instance, he has noted “thanks for noticing me…” instead of observing that other animals are being rude to him. He sees there is something good, something deep, something pleasant going on.
From the bottom of some cereal box, I once had a secret decoder lens. A piece of paper from the same box would have inscribed on it a strange and illegible spaghetti-map of lines and squiggles. But when I held up the decoder lens, I could see a message. Probably something like, “eat more cereal.” But a message, nonetheless.
Christians have knowledge that enables us to understand what is happening in the world. Non-Christians see weather, war, and worldliness as troublesome and terrible.
But we have the decoding lens found in this verse (and other places) : And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 ESV).
And that is the source of joy. God is up to good.
And knowing that gives us joy.
Yes, the storm still ruins crops. Yes, the war still ruins lives. Yes, the world scoffs, laughs, and opposes God’s people.
But like Eeyore, we have joy, because we know what is going on. God is at work. And that can lead to joy.
Because joy is a fruit.