Count it all joy....

Friday, July 20, 2018

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 ‭NIV‬‬

We’ve spent a few days this week talking about joy. And tomorrow’s blog is from a friend of mine who will wrap it all up.

We’ve said that deep-rooted joy for the Believer comes from the Lord. And that the one behind the joy-stealers is Satan. Today’s Scripture adds a bit of a twist to this concept. 

“Consider it pure joy . . . when you face trials.” Really? Joy? But trials are difficult. How can they elicit joy?

Think about this. If we aren’t in the Word every day and aren’t going about the Father’s business, Satan couldn’t care less about us and he pretty much leaves us alone. 

But when we are the close to the Lord and are doing His will, Satan can’t stand it. He gets all up in our faces and tries to mess everything up. 

So when we experience various trials, that just might mean that we are where we are supposed to be with the Lord. That should bring us satisfaction and, yes, joy. We are getting under Satan’s skin! That’s awesome! 

And, of course, these same trials have another interesting by-product: perseverance. I think that’s pretty cool. We are doing God’s will, gaining some of His own characteristics (joy and patience), and becoming more mature in the faith. 

Lord, when difficulties come our way, help us to consider the good that will come and to rejoice in You as a result. 

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