19 Dec Public Journal :: 001 :: “Counting”

I just released a cover of The Winans’ song “Count It All Joy” on IG with my brothers IAmSon & Tarron Crayton. God, I’m grateful for an endless stream of ideas and concepts. I’m also incredibly grateful that You’ve allowed me to connect with such talented and creatively aware individuals that are willing to collaborate with me. I don’t take their respect for granted for one second.

God, You know this song and its words mean so much to me. They originate from James who was Jesus’s brother. He said, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds…” (James 1:2, ESV)

This certainly isn’t my natural response to coming up against “trials of various kinds”. My reflexive position is to count it as an inconvenience. Or to count it annoyyyyingggg. But I’m grateful for the option of this perspective from James. 

How powerful is that? What a gift this is to be able to choose how we’re going to consider a situation. Thank You for that God. Help me to be more aware of my power to choose how I view things.

I just heard this quote: “Character is refined by the fire of hardship and trial.” If I’ve learned one important thing in my 32 years on earth I know that character is one of those things that matters universally. The fact that You can use what we go through to build “mature” and “complete” character is enough to shift my perspective alone. 

More context on what James was getting at:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:2-5, NIV)

God, I want to be better at believing You. This is the essence of faith. If trials help me better do that then I certainly see another compelling reason to embrace joy when I face them. I want to be both “mature” and “complete” so I embrace the process that it takes to get there.

Also that last part hits home too… that I can ask You for the wisdom I lack and that I can expect You to give it to me “generously”. I need this wisdom in so many ways even today. You know I’m tempted by lust and pornography. Thank You for the wisdom You’ve been giving on how to battle this. Thank You for this “trial” as well. I know it is building my character in a beautiful way. 

Give me the wisdom to know how to show up to others today. This is important. I want to be helpful and supportive as I’m present with others in their trials as well. Give me Your guidance as to how to love others as I love myself. You’re good and You can be trusted.

Thank You.