Discovering Joy

 

^“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”  James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

 

 

What a joy it is to quiet your soul before a breathtaking sunset!  What happiness to elicit the childish giggles of a baby learning to coo.  What a joy to savor family time with your adult children over a delicious meal.  What a joy to fall into trial and temptations!  (Screech! Did I just lose you?)

It is easy to find joy in the, well…joys of life.  But how on earth am I to find joy in the trials and temptations that are as consistent as a power bill on a frosty day?

Clearly, finding joy in hardships is a fruit that only the Spirit of God can develop in us.  It is not that the hard days are reason for excitement.  Rather, it is the knowledge that even on those days, or especially on those days, we can depend on God to work on our behalf.  We can be sure that at our point of weakness, He will be made strong in us.  If we yield, if we trust, if we submit it to Him, He shows up and does what only He can do.

The trials and temptations in life are reminders that we need Him.  Oh, how we need Him!  When we’re in the crisp, fresh air of the mountain top, we frequently forget that we do not stand there on our own.  But when we are struggling to catch our breath in the pit of despair- He is as close as the mention of His name.  Had it not been for the trial, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would never have known He is the God who walks with us in the fire.  In fact, He is the God who walks us out of the fire!  Had it not been for the paralysis, the lame man would never have known God as the Healer who causes him to walk and leap!  Had it not been for the personal failure, Peter never would have known Jesus as the God who restores.

Trials and temptations are a common denominator in humanity.  We all face them.  But when we look for the hand of God in our situation, when we trust that He is working all things together for our good- that is when we find the joy even in that season.  The testing refines our faith and builds our trust.  Learning patience or endurance, makes us more Christlike and works His purpose in our hearts and lives.

The trials will come- and when they do, let them work God’s goodness in you.  Find joy as you rest in the embrace of the One, who will never let you go.”

Oh Lord, I pray today for those who have fallen into the trial of their life!  For those who are struggling to hold on, Lord, I ask you to reveal yourself to them.  Receive glory for yourself in all that we face.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.