How Can I Count COVID-19 A Joy? Day 3

I am currently in recovery mode from a diagnosis of COVID19. There were times that I had to talk myself out of a panic attack due to the feeling of an elephant pressing against my chest. To say that I felt joy while dealing with COVID19 and some of the symptoms would be a far stretch.

When I first read this verse I felt as though James was commanding me to paint on my happy face and get over whatever trial I am facing. That is not what he is telling us at all. James is commanding us to watch the way we think about trials and to use them as a learning tool. The joy James is referring to is not about how we feel during a trial, it is how we think about our trials.

The key for this verse is the very first word. ‘Consider’ means to think carefully about something, to reflect, to give thought to. James is not telling us that we have to feel joy in trials, he is commanding us to stop and think about what we are facing and how we can glorify God in the situation. It is all about controlling our thoughts and not allowing our emotions to take over.

Even though I was not feeling joyous while dealing with the symptoms, I can say that many times I chose to focus on the blessings and provisions of God throughout it. I can take joy in the fact that I had a very mild case and that I did not need to go to the hospital or have medical intervention. I can take joy in knowing that I have a wonderful husband and daughter who has one semester left in nursing school to take care of me. I had a roof over my head and heat to keep me warm. I could keep going but I think you can see that even though I was very sick, I was blessed throughout it. There are people who do not have a home, those who live alone, have pre-existing medical conditions, can’t afford the supplements that were recommended and so many more challenges that would make it even more difficult to fight the virus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for our nation and all who are struggling with the challenges of COVID19. I pray for protection over our thoughts and emotions as we face the loss of health, jobs, family, friends, and control over our finances. I pray that we consider all that You have done and continue to do for us. Lord, help us to dwell on the good and learn from the challenges while giving you the glory for all.

Deep Dive: Pray about trials in your life that could have been used for God’s glory but through the wrong thoughts and attitudes were not. How can you guard your heart and mind next time so that your emotions do not rob the joy God wants you to find in every situation?