Count It All Joy

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Scripture: James 1:2-4 (ESV)

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Devotion:

            Today’s scripture passage seems to ask the impossible of us. James’ words are like sandpaper on steel asking us to be joyful in times of testing and trial. It just isn’t logical or natural for humans to be joyful under the stress and strain of daily life or under some particularly difficult circumstances. We all have or will have medical conditions, job difficulties, relationship problems, or other trials that seem to suck the joy right out of life. How can we be expected to be joyful under these conditions?

            Yet we read in these words a call to be joyful in times of testing. Although God tests no one, tests will come and according to the text we are to use these periods of testing to produce steadfastness. What does steadfast mean as used here in James/ letter? The Greek word behind the English translation here means patience, or endurance. So, we are to use these stresses and strains of ordinary life to build up our capacity to remain faithful to God. Holding on to our faith in Jesus Christ with tenacity and all determination.

            This commitment to God will produce in us the qualities of perfection, and completion. The Greek for perfect means mature or fully grown. We are to use our times of testing and trial to help us to grow fully and completely into Christ’s faithful servants. Hopefully, keeping these things in mind as we suffer misfortune or struggles in this life will help us to keep joy in our hearts at all things. We know from reading the words of Paul that all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. We must let this knowledge lead us toward joy regardless of our situation.

            God never asks the impossible of us. We know this because through Christ we can do all things that are required of us in this life. Joy can be a real blessing to us and to others as they see us walking through our testing with grace and joy that can only come from a real relationship with Jesus. The first word of this passage “count” is in the imperative in the Greek. An unconditional command. We need to obey this command because through it our faith will be built up and be a light to lead others to the gospel.

Prayer:

            Lord, strengthen us through our times of trial and testing. May we learn how to count everything we face as pure joy through Jesus. Help us to know that we can always count on you to be with us through any valley of darkness we may encounter in our lives. Help us to rely on you for the strength to endure and become mature believers. May our lives show forth the goodness of God that others may be attracted to you. Amen. 

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