We are currently studying the book of James in our Bible study group and came across the verse about having joy when going through trials. According to James 1:2-4, “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (New American Standard Bible). When I read this verse, the first thought that came to mind was that I’m not usually joyful when I go through trials. I wondered how it is even possible to be joyful when we go through trials. Last year, I was given the opportunity to share a devotional at my work. When I prayed about it, the topic that came to mind was ‘Joy’ since it was during Christmas, I thought that topic was relevant for that season. But, I struggled with the idea of sharing a devotional on ‘joy’ when I had just lost my mom a month ago. I started researching the definition of ‘joy’ and ‘happiness.’ I learned that ‘happiness’ depends on external circumstances, but ‘joy’ is an inward state which is long-lasting even if our present circumstances aren’t ideal.
So how can I be joyful in the circumstances like losing a parent or when going through other life trials? I think the natural response to a trial or pain we experience is anger, anxiety, hopelessness, fear, etc. If you think about Jesus, He went through so much pain when He died on the cross. But, He was joyful knowing that this event would help many people to be saved and have eternal life. According to Hebrews 12:2, “Looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” This verse encourages us to look at Jesus as our example. How do we practically apply that in our lives, where we constantly face trials? For example, in the situation of losing my mom, I can be joyful knowing that she is safe in heaven with Jesus, where she is no longer experiencing pain. I can also be joyful knowing I will see her in heaven someday. That does not mean I won’t experience pain, but God gives us the strength to walk through this.
These are some lessons I’m learning that can help shift our focus toward God when facing trials.
1. God walks through trials with us: God promises us that He will be with us when we go through trials. According to Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you”.
2. God works it all for our good: (Faith) There are situations in life where it might be difficult to see any ‘good’ in it. Since God is good, He is still working everything for our good, even if we don’t see it now. It is so hard to comprehend that with our limited understanding, and there might be some things we can only understand when we go to heaven. That’s where faith comes in, and we can rest knowing that God is good, He knows what’s best for His children, and He knows exactly what He is doing. According to Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
3. God gives us grace: As long as we live on this earth, we will go through trials. According to John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world”. But God is saying He will give us His peace while walking through the trials. Paul had a thorn in his flesh, we don’t know if it was a physical ailment or some Spiritual sin, he was struggling with. Even though he asked God to take it away, it did not go away, but God gave Him the grace to live with it. According to II Corinthians 12:9, “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may dwell in me”.
4. God works on our character: God uses trials to work on our character so we can produce the fruits of the Spirit, and become more like Him each day. According to Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law”.
5. God gives us the hope of eternal life:. We can also be joyful, knowing that this earth is a temporary place and that we have eternal life where there will be no more pain or suffering. According to I Peter 4: 12-13, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad about exceeding joy.” According to Philippians 3:20-21 “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (New International Version).
When we start focusing on God and His promises, He will give us the strength to be joyful. Our natural response to trials is the opposite of being joyful, so we need to rely on His Holy Spirit to help us respond joyfully when we go through trials.
