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.
– James 1:2-4, NIV
These words from James challenge us in many ways. First of all, we are instructed to take joy during trials. Seriously, I mean, how instinctual is that? Let’s face it, most of us do not respond with, “Hooray! I have this demanding obstacle that is providing an opportunity for me to shine! “
I mean, wouldn’t life be so much better if we could simply avoid trials all together? Seems like joy and peace would just naturally flow if life was one of ease. But God’s Word tells us the opposite is true. That the very things we would love to avoid are the things that grow us the most.
These trials are placed before us to test our faith and bring about perseverance and endurance. Pressures of life squeeze us, wringing us from the inside out. Allowing us to see what is deep within and make adjustments as necessary. Definitely not a comfortable process.
Perhaps that is the most distressing concept for me to absorb in this whole passage, that this testing is a process. It’s not a quick-fix, but rather a long (and often grueling) time of growth. Much to my dismay, I more often want to interrupt the process than complete it.
Please, dear Lord, can’t we just take a break from this exhausting trial?
Maybe that is the reason so much seems unfinished and incomplete — because we keep interrupting the process. We fail to let perseverance finish its work.
It’s also noteworthy that consider it all joy, does not equate with feeling all joyful.
Feelings follow consideration of truth, not precede it. If only the process was reversed, and our feelings happily led the way. Mostly, they have to be forced into submission like a demanding toddler, kicking and screaming with every step.
Consider means pondering and mulling and looking intently instead of giving something a cursory glance. It means noticing the details and finding a semblance of joy in every situation.
When failing to consider it all joy, we would do well to take a dose of wisdom from the wisest man who ever walked the earth. Solomon encourages us to:
Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what He has made crooked? In the day of prosperity, be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: surely God has appointed the one as well as the other . . . – Ecclesiastes 7:13-14, NKJV, emphasis mine
If you’re struggling to be joyful, consider the work of God.
Remembrance is the beginning of thankfulness. Considering what God has done in the past brings hope into the equation and prepares us for what God will do in our present and future.
Remembrance calms the soul and settles it firmly upon the truth.
When the battle staring you in the face has sapped your ability to rejoice, step back, and consider once more the far-reaching effects of Father’s greatness. Ponder the vastness of His power and His ability to scoop down and deliver yet again.
Consider that there is nothing able to thwart nor even to delay His plans.
What He has purposed, He will do. And He is faithful to do it in and for you. (And sometimes, even in spite of you.)
In the face of pain and disappointment, it is challenging to be grateful, but it is also freeing. When the chaos of this world tries to grasp our hearts and overrun our thoughts, we must look up once more and consider Father. Peace is found in knowing and acknowledging God, the One who sets our feet in broad places though the enemy dares to tempt us to believe we are hemmed in on every side. Hope is found when we look beyond the illusion cast by Satan, seeing past the smoke and mirrors to gaze intently into the Word of truth. Calling to mind Father’s faithfulness and latching onto that which is unshakeable and constant.
Rest assured, God is not fooled by even one scheme of the enemy.
He is never caught off-guard.
He has no blind spots.
His perspective is never skewed but always pure and true.
Always.
When life throws you a curveball, instead of taking matters into your own hands, throw yourself into His.
It is there you will find space to stretch out your tired soul.
It is there you will find peace.
It is there you will gain strength to face the present adversity with renewed hope in your heart.
There, in the more than capable hands of Father.
Yes, consider His works at work even now. On your behalf and in your favor.
Consider.
Remember.
Give thanks.
And rejoice.
Always.
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FOR REFLECTION
Are you apt to respond to trials with joy? Is perseverance easy for you? If so, please share your secrets in the comments section of this blog. We all can learn much from you! 🙂
For most of us, finding joy in the hards of life can be, well, hard. That’s why it’s necessary to line up our thoughts with the truth of God’s Word. What are some practical ways you can find reasons to rejoice in your current circumstances?
When it all seems too much, and you are failing to persevere on your own, lean into Jesus and let Him finish His labor of love in you. Sheer grit and determination will only take you so far, but surrender and obedience to the Holy Spirit will see you through to the end where you will find yourself lacking nothing. And maybe even a little more mature and complete.
Barb, I think you wrote this for me. I began my “new journey “ today and it was a difficult beginning. It took 6 different tries to get the IV in and then I had an awful and scary reaction to the chemo. But in the midst of it God was there. After the 5th try on the IV we took a break and I texted several people to pray that they could get it in. The next try was successful and I told the nurse that prayers worked! And everyday I tell myself tha I choose Joy!
Thanks for writing this.
I’m thankful our Father is taking care of you every step of this journey, Mary, even though it is a path none of us would have chosen for you. I pray God continues to surround you with His peace and brings healing to you in Jesus’ name, and that you will continue to choose joy even on the hardest of days. You are loved!