Pure JOY!

I've spent the past few weeks contemplating what this phrase means: consider it pure joy...(James 1:2).  Waiting, joy, perseverance, and suffering seem to be reoccurring topics in sermons, songs, articles, conversations and podcasts in recent weeks.  I am easily overwhelmed by the number of friends who are waiting on the Lord, trying to make sense of their sufferings, and repeatedly trying to choose joy.

Here is a brief list of friend's on our prayer list:

One year anniversary of husband's death and recently diagnosed with inoperable cancer
Grieving the loss of a baby through miscarriage
Battling an eating disorder
Mom of 3 (ages 3,1 and 5 weeks) diagnosed with stage 4 cancer
Battling for the restoration and integrity of their marriage
Watching sister-in-law (with 2 children) die of cancer
Loss of their baby girl on the due date
Co-worker and friend murdered
Grieving the loss of a friendship
Mother-in-law died in a car crash
Step-Dad died in a freak accident

Sometimes I don't even know how to pray.  While I pray for them, it is so hard to not focus on the circumstances of their situations, but instead focus and trust in the sovereignty of God.  I am reminded that joy isn't dependent on our circumstances.  We have learned to admire many who are suffering. For some, their perseverance has produced a quality of character that doesn't surrender to circumstance.

As we wait for an answer, we continue praying and listening: Though it tarries, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay (Habakkuk 2:3b).