Take joy in trials
The Book of James was probably written by Jesus’s brother, who later became a big leader in the Christian church in Jerusalem. The main topic of this book is faith. James mainly talks about how true faith impacts our lives.
Right from the start, James says that God wants us to trust Him more. The way a person acts, shows the kind of faith they truly have.
James 1 serves as an encouragement to Believers to persevere in faith, seek wisdom, resist temptation, and live out their faith in practical ways.
Today I would like to focus on joy in times of trials.
James 1:2-4(MSG) Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
James 1:12(MSG) Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.
Having joy in times of trial is not an easy task. So, how do we do it?
True joy isn’t merely the absence of problems but is found in the presence of purpose, hope, and faith. It’s deeper than happiness, which is often tied to external circumstances. We must recognise that life’s trials can refine and strengthen our character and faith. Seeing beyond the current circumstance to a bigger picture, especially from a spiritual point of view, knowing that God is in control and will take us through this trial, is the key to our victory. Knowing that challenges often come with hidden opportunities or lessons, that can lead to growth.
How do we have joy in trials?
- Stay connected to the source of our strength, God.
The primary source of strength is God. The Bible says in Philippians 4:13(NKJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer, reading Scripture, and participating in fellowship with other Believers is crucial.
Know that we are not alone, God is with us. We don’t need to stand in our own strength, but we have the power source of God on our side. Why not make use of it? It is available to us.
- Be thankful in all circumstances.
We may ask how is this possible. How can we be thankful in our trials? We are not thankful for our trials, but we are thankful for knowing that God is with us. Knowing that we are not alone, knowing that He is with us in the storm, knowing that we will get through this season.
1 Thessalonians 5:18(NIV) advises: give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
We are encouraged to have a thankful heart, recognising the blessings and providence of God even amidst trials.
- Seek support.
Although we know that God is our source and provider in times of trouble, the Bible also teaches us that we must support each other in times of trials. We must carry each other’s burdens. Thus, in times of trouble seek support from others.
Galatians 6:2(NIV) says: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.
As, children of God we are part of the Body of Christ and are encouraged to support and uplift each other.
- Trials help us to grow.
In every trial, our faith is tested. Trials refine and deepen a Christian’s faith and character.
James 1:2-3(NIV) speaks to this: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
- Do not allow negative thoughts to influence you.
Remember that this is the area that Satan uses to influence our thoughts. He uses trials to doubt whether God will take care of us. We can so easily become negative, trying to find fault in our own life, wondering whether we have done enough for God, and relating it back to our performance (works), while none of these issues are relevant. We must stay focused on God, believe in His power, and know that He will take care of us.
James 1:12(AMP) Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James is very clear about what we should do in times of trouble. Seek wisdom from God, trust in Him, knowing that He will guide us through these difficult times.
James 1:5-8(AMP) If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything [at all] from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable and restless in all his ways [in everything he thinks, feels, or decides].
- Stay positive.
Philippians 4:8(NIV) advises: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Christians are encouraged to dwell on positive and uplifting things.
Matthew 6:34(NIV) suggests a similar principle: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Christians are reminded to trust God and not be overly anxious about the future.
I conclude with Jeremiah 29:11(MSG) I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.