Answer: James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you
face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith
develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may
be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This is the very first thing
James writes in his letter after his salutation. Why? Because of its import.
Many Christians think once they’ve made that decision for Christ that
everything will fall into place and life will be that proverbial bowl of cherries.
And when trials and tough times come upon them or continue, they
begin to question, “why?” Wondering how they could possibly endure
horrible circumstances and consider it joy.
Peter also tackles this subject of joy through trials. “In this you greatly
Peter also tackles this subject of joy through trials. “In this you greatly
rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief
in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater
worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be
proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus
Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and
even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled
with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal
of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:6-9).
In both of these passages, we see the instruction of what we should do.
In both of these passages, we see the instruction of what we should do.
‘Consider it pure joy…’ ‘In this you greatly rejoice…’ Why? Because trials
make us stronger. The James passage clearly states that the testing of
our faith produces perseverance. And the Peter passage states that our
faith, which is priceless, will be proved genuine and result in praise to
God. But how? How can we find joy in the midst of all the junk, hardships,
and painful circumstances?
First, we need to understand that joy is not the same as happiness.
First, we need to understand that joy is not the same as happiness.
Happiness comes and goes sometimes as often as waves hitting the shore.
Happiness isn’t something you can cling to when you’ve lost a loved one,
or are facing bankruptcy. Joy, on the other hand can stay with you for the
long haul. The reason? Real joy is from God. For the believer, it is like a
bottomless well of water—always an abundant supply. Even in the darkest
days, when sadness, grief, and loss may threaten to overwhelm you,
God’s joy is there.
Second, we need to understand that God’s joy cannot be taken away.
Second, we need to understand that God’s joy cannot be taken away.
Oh, you might think that it’s gone—that the hands of misfortune have
snatched it from you—but it’s not. As believers, we are promised the
constant presence of the Holy Spirit. We are promised His joy. Just as
our salvation is assured through Jesus’ one-time sacrifice for all. Jesus’
words in John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in
you and that your joy may be complete.” Other examples, Acts 13:52,
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 16:34, “The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal
before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe
in God—he and his whole family.”
Third, we need to stop wallowing, whining and complaining and grab
Third, we need to stop wallowing, whining and complaining and grab
onto God’s joy. Just like salvation is a free and perfect gift from Him,
we must reach out and accept that gift. Grab onto it. Like a lifeline.
Choose joy. Over bitterness, anger, and sorrow. Make a decision to
choose joy every day. No matter what. Look at these great examples
in Scripture: “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and
their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that
they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability”
(2 Corinthians 8:2-3). “You became imitators of us and of the Lord;
in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy
given by the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). “Be joyful always”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16). “You sympathized with those in prison and
joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew
that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions” (Hebrews 10:34)
. And the best illustration of all, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author
and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the
cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne
of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
All through Scripture we see the persecution of the church, the trials,
All through Scripture we see the persecution of the church, the trials,
and hardships that believers have faced. The challenge then is to truly
learn how to consider each trial joy.
This topic is very near and dear to my heart because it is a lesson I’m
This topic is very near and dear to my heart because it is a lesson I’m
relearning each and every day. My daughter has a rare nerve disorder,
she’s had brain surgery, and we’ve faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles,
mountains of medical bills, bankruptcy, and foreclosure. But you know
what I have discovered? God’s joy really is there. You can consider each
trial joy, you can greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory even
when you feel like you are face-first in the mud puddle. You can endure
whatever circumstances are making you quake in your boots right now.
If you have been saved through faith in Jesus Christ—you have all you need.
Grab onto God’s joy.
If you'd like to learn more about our family's story and our
Grab onto God’s joy.
If you'd like to learn more about our family's story and our
incredible joy through trials, please purchase the suggested
Woodhouse.
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