Joyful Trials

Read: James 1:1-12

Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. --- James 1:2

The Bible In One Year:
Ezekiel 11-13
James 1

The Bible tells us to respond to difficult circumstances in a way that is directly opposed to our natural tendency. One of the most challenging of those commands is this: "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials" [James 1:2].

Other translations speak of viewing our difficulties with pure joy, considering ourselves happy --- not resisting trials and temptations as intruders but welcoming them as friends. I don't know about you, but that's not the first thing that pops into my mind.

This outlook would seem absurd and unattainable if not for the reason behind it: "knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" [v.3]. An attitude of joy is not based on what we feel but n what we know of God and His work in our lives. Therefore, a painful process that yields a desired goal can be welcomed as a friend.

It's not the testing of our strength but the trying of our faith in Almighty God that develops our endurance. Through it all, the Lord promises wisdom for today [v.5] and a crown of life for those who persevere [v.12].

My natural response to difficult circumstances is "Oh, no!" The Lord wants me to see what He can accomplish through them and say, "Oh, yes!" --- David McCasland

The deeper meaning of my trials
O Lord, You've kept from me;
But some small part of Your great plan
I pray, Lord, help me see. --- D. De Haan

JOY IN TRIALS COMES FROM KNOWING THAT THE OUTCOME WILL BE GOOD.