Greetings,

James said,

“Whenever you face trials of any kind,
consider it nothing but joy…”

Recently I was sitting with a family in the hospital waiting room. Their loved one was undergoing a major operation. They were waiting for the doctor to tell them how the surgery went.

If you have ever had to wait to learn the outcome of a loved ones surgery you know how much of a trial it can be.  As I looked around the room filled with people all waiting I noticed an air of somberness. Facial expressions were for the most part grim. Most people seemed to be deep in thought and sedate.

There was one exception. In one corner of the room there was a family that appeared to be having a good time.  Siblings were kibitzing with each other.  Laughter and smiles were evident.  They graciously welcomed friends who stopped by to inquire how their loved one was doing.

There are some people who might have frowned at their behavior.  I found that it exemplified James’ words,

“Whenever you face trials of any kind,
consider it nothing but joy.”

I know that their laughter was not nervous laughter. I know that their concern was no less sincere than anyone else in the room. I know this because I had the privilege of sitting and kibitzing with that family.  I also had the privilege of sharing a prayer of awesome gratitude when the doctor ended their waiting with great news of a successful operation.  I had the privilege of seeing James’ words lived out.
When James said, “Consider it nothing but joy.” he was not telling us to be happy about our suffering or our situation.  The Biblical idea of joy is relief.  We find relief in our trials when we have faith that God is with us in the midst of our trials.  This family knew that God was sitting there with them.  This family knew, perhaps from previous life trials, the rest of James 1:2

“Whenever you face trials of any kind,
consider it nothing but joy,
because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance,
and let endurance have it's full effects,
so that you may be mature, complete,
lacking in nothing.”

When we face trials dependent on God we develop endurance. Endurance enables us to engage in the struggles because we know God is there growing us through the pain and clarifying our values and maturing us.

Dependence on God while we are in desperate trials propels us toward endurance which then produces a life mature, complete and lacking in nothing.

We live in a culture that encourages us to make discomfort go away quickly. James doesn't encourage that. Instead James encourages that you take the time to know the joy and relief of God’s presence in your trial.

In Christ,

.