Joy in Trials

James 1:2

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds...

Joy is often so elusive. People are ever searching for it, but sadly, the search for joy has been replaced by the search for the next new high or rush. Contentment has been replaced with adrenaline. But for the Christian, joy is a glorious gift. So why would we want to be joyous? First because trials, the very thing that often steals our joy, produce character in us, steadfastness. Steadfastness gives us the ability to stay the course. So in the long term, we can count out trials as a reason for joy! Rejoicing in the difficulty means lasting til the end. But this is not an easy thing to do. It seems as if the knowledge of this is insufficient when the trials come pouring in. So in v. 5 James says, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. God will bolster our understanding. He will give us insight into enduring trials and keeping our joy. He wants to bless our lives with this joy, and at the same time, grow us in grace. Such growth needs trials! 

Father,

Help me to be joyous, to accept and embrace the trials You send my way, to realize they are drawing me closer to You, and to have them be a reason for joy. I know all this can only be done through Your grace. Pour it on me in full measure. 

In Jesus name,

Amen