"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3)
There is no denying that this year has held tremendous trials for people all across the globe. The command to “consider it pure joy” is one many of us may have a hard time wrapping our heads around. How do we choose joy when trials of health, relationships, and finances are plaguing us and those we love?
When the Bible refers to “joy,” it is not the same as the emotion of happiness, which is influenced by circumstances and can change at a moments notice. The Bible refers to joy as contentment in Christ above all else. God doesn’t ask us to deny the reality of our trials, but to view them through eyes of our faith.
We can be confident in our joy because our faith is rooted in Christ. There is no trial on earth we can face that will separate us from the love of God.
In whatever trials you are facing today, may you confidently REJOICE in the steadfast love of the Father, knowing that he works all things together for the good of us who love him.