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.
James 1:2-4
When you look into this new year, are you willing to make the decision to count every circumstance this year as “all joy”, including trials?
When we train, we have a mix of easy runs and some very long, hard workouts.
I’ve learned to look at each workout, including the hardest workouts, with joy since I know the outcome will be greater endurance, strength and power.
Once your aim is to count every run and every part of your training as all joy, the next step is to look at your life and aim to do the same.
Jesus calls His followers to walk in joy.
Even it says in Hebrews 12:3 that, “…for the joy that was set before Him, [Jesus] endured the cross.”
Jesus had His eyes on the joy of what His sacrifice on the cross would lead to.
What an example Jesus set for us to walk through every trial and circumstance with His joy and hope!
Through the strength of the Holy Spirit, may we journey through every circumstance, trouble, and trial with joy, rather than defeat.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, so it is possible with Him to live a life of joy no matter how difficult the terrain is or how long and painful the road is.
Joy is not the word we would choose to associate with trials, but James tells us that joy is possible in the hardest circumstances.
0 Comments