Count It Joy

Count it joy, and never be discouraged,

When by trials your life is sorely pressed.

For you know that when your faith is tested,

Your endurance then develops best.

Perseverance must complete its working;

You will need to let it have its way.

When it's done, you'll be complete and perfect,

Having all you need to meet each day.

So if any one of you lacks wisdom,

Ask of God, who always hears and cares.

He gives freely without asking questions;

His abundance will become your share.

But when asking, you must never falter,

Like a wave that's blown and tossed about.

If you do, you'll never gain God's blessing;

Double-minded, you'll succumb to doubt.

Blest the man who perseveres in trial;

For you know the testing soon will pass.

When it's o'er and you have stood unmoving,

You'll receive the crown of life at last.

But when tempted, never be accusing;

It's not God who leads you from the path.

Your own lusts seduce you and entice you,

Giving birth to sin, and sin to death.

Do not let yourself yield to deception;

God's the source of every perfect gift.

He's the Maker of the stars in heaven,

Changing not as shadows move and shift.

For He chose a spirit birth to give you,

Through the Word of truth that you believed.

Thus are you the firstfruits of His labors;

By His grace, salvation is achieved.