One of the most significant challenges of our ability to experience the joy of the Lord often occurs when we face tests and trials in life. It’s hard to be joyful when nothing seems to go our way. However, as believers in Christ, joy is ours no matter our situation. So how do we maintain joy in the midst of trials? We can find the answer to this question in James 1:2-5:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:2-5 ESV)
Joy is not the absence of trials. If we think we have perfect lives or God promises us perfect lives, then we lie to ourselves, and any joy we experience is superficial. The truth is, we can choose joy even in the midst of trials. James instructs us to know that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Perseverance is the ability to wait and endure patiently. Why would the testing of our faith produce perseverance? Because our faith is in what we can’t see. Faith requires us to trust God even when we have no visual or physical reason to do so. So when trials come and test our faith, we have the choice to believe God or not. When we choose to believe in God and see Him show Himself faithful, it encourages us to keep the faith next time that we face a trial.
Dear God, thank you for helping me to choose to be joyful during both uplifting and challenging seasons. Forgive me for times when I have allowed my circumstances to outweigh my trust in You. Thank you for being present with me during every test and trial, and being my source of supernatural strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.