James 1:2-4 “ 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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
As you’ve probably experienced, life is not fair. It's is full of so many disappointments and heartaches and if we are not careful, these letdowns can cause us to drift off into a caustic, critical sea of frustration and bitterness. My husband and I have faced many many disappointments and trials over the years but the one thing that has helped us push through these trying times is to remember that God has allowed our circumstances for a purpose. There is a reason behind the suffering. We may not understand or like all that is happening but we know that God is in complete control of absolutely everything that happens to us. He sees the big picture and we only see what is right in front of our faces. He sees what will benefit us and His Kingdom the most and we only see what we desire.
Jesus’ brother, James, tells us to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds, What he is trying to teach us is that we should really consider how we react in those trying circumstances that can take our joy away. If we are not careful these trials can cause our joy to fade; however, if we stay focused on the Lord and are practicing His presence it can have the opposite effect. Our trials can become a greater source of joy as we wait on the Lord and trust Him in the midst of all that is happening.
This joy that James is talking about in James 1:2-4 is pure joy which means that it isn't a surfacy feeling but an all encompassing inner peace that can only come from God. The word pure denotes wholeness and thoroughness. It means that God has given great attention to detail regarding the situation and has a well thought out plan which will benefit not only us but His kingdom in the grand scheme of things. The joy of the Lord is not dependent on our circumstances but is a restful peace which is deposited in us as result of our relationship with Him.
We may not see resolution of our troubles in this life but praise the Lord that our life on earth is temporary. We are just passing through; however, while we are here we are called to “LET JOY BE OUR CALLING CARD” despite whatever we are facing. Do others see the Joy of the Lord when they look upon our faces or watch us from afar? Do they hear us leading our children and grandchildren by teaching them how to respond in hard situations with joy in their hearts and praises to their King?
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Dear Lord,
Please help us when we find ourselves overwhelmed or frustrated with the difficulties of life. Help us to rest in you! Take our burdens and our pain and exchange them for Your peace. You desire for us to walk above what this world has to offer and look forward to your Kingdom coming but we can not do it alone. We need You, we need Your Holy Spirit to carry us in these times. May the disappointments in our jobs, our churches, our relationships, our dreams, etc. help us to see that You have a greater purpose in mind! Lord, we love you. Thank You for not giving us over to the desires of our hearts and instead thrusting us forward into thinking and acting as a child of the King. May Your Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven and may You reign victoriously in our hearts as we wade through all You've allowed to come our way. You alone make this mission worth while! Praise be Your name now and forever more.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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