Leaping for Joy

"...We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."  (Romans 5:3,4 NASB)

I like exulting. Exulting means leaping for joy, feeling lively, jubilant, exceedingly happy. Who doesn't like to  be so full of joy and happiness that you want to jump up and down. It is such a cool feeling. But to jump because of our tribulations? How does suffering make you joyful? And tribulation does not mean being put out because your favorite TV show was bumped to a different time, or there was not a close parking space at the mall. Tribulation generally implies a severe trial. 

We go through trials every day. Some are more difficult than others. But when we look at previous societies, we have a relatively easy existence. I was watching "The Outlaw Josie Wales" yesterday (I love Clint Eastwood westerns). In the opening scenes, he is shown as a simple farmer, plowing a field behind a mule, working with his son to provide food for his family. Our lifestyles have led us to forget what real trials are. We work, but we don't "work". Do we really know what trials are? How many of us have faced persecution, torture, hunger, homelessness? Many of us have faced death, divorce, unemployment, illness, injury. Many of us face despair and depression. For some of us, the trials have been minimal and we have never had to worry about much of anything.  

But we can learn from that, too. If we are to be joyous when faced with the big items, how much more should we be willing to let the little things slide off us? I must admit, there are some days that I am in a bad mood because my coffee pot didn't start when I meant for it to (usually because I set it wrong). I let a little change in my routine change my mood for the day. I let a perceived harsh word, or a slight by someone send me down a path of gruff, surly behavior. Shouldn't my baseline every day be an attitude of joy and happiness?

When faced with trials (death, divorce, illness, relationship issues) we have the opportunity to respond with fear and dread. Or we can also respond with exultation. We can take the time to pray for understanding of the lessons God is trying to teach us. We can be upbeat, giving thanks because we know that through the trials, we are developing the characteristics God wants to use in us. He is proving our character and providing us with hope. And best of all, we know that hope does not disappoint.