Real Joy in Tough Times
James 1:2 - 4
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
If you haven’t noticed by now, life happens. I realize that statement sounds strange but if you and I are honest, we have to admit that life happens. In life problems arise, challenges come our way, and difficulties enter without invitation. These are the events that make life interesting. Here are some “life happens” events I have heard about in the last few weeks.
A wonderful Christian couple we know have recently both, yes BOTH, lost their jobs. Now I know these people; they are hard-working, faithful, excellent employees. Yet in a matter of a few days, they both lost their jobs. They are experiencing life.
A friend recently had surgery that went well. The doctors gave him a good outlook and he, with surgery now behind him, was off to a new start. But life happened, an unexpected complication from surgery and now instead of being out of commission for a couple of weeks, he is looking at eight weeks or more of recovery. He is experiencing life and all of its challenges.
Some friends of ours sensed God calling them to the world of foster parenting. They are excellent foster parents and in fact, it led to the possibility of them adopting a brother and sister who has been in their care for quite a while. I see him once a month and we share what God is doing in our lives over a cup of coffee. Each time we meet, I expect to hear that the adoption is complete. However, each month brings a new twist. Life happens and when it does, plans get completely thrown off.
In the Bible, James tells us not only that life is going to happen but also what to do when life happens. He reminds us to consider it an opportunity to be joyful.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2).
Yes, you read that exactly right. James tells us that the way to handle life’s troubles and difficulties is with JOY. James goes on to tell us that life’s difficulties help us grow and when we grow, we build endurance in our lives.
The key to handling life is to consider it a joyful thing. Philippians is one of my favorite books of the Bible. When you read through the book, you will find that joy is a major theme.
Paul gives us a hint of what is happening in his life.
“And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ” (Philippians 1:12 - 13).
Paul is in a Roman prison, surrounded by Roman guards, facing Roman persecution and serving as a prisoner for his faith in Christ and his testimony of Christ. Paul is experiencing life.
And yet, he is experiencing life with joy!
I suspect that today some of you reading this have some significant challenges occurring in your life. It may be health, finances, relationships, or even a combination of these things. Regardless of your circumstances, God’s Word tells us to consider it all joy. Whatever you are facing is an opportunity to demonstrate the joy of knowing Christ Jesus.
I hope you will join me for the next few weeks as we explore the Scriptures to learn more about joy and how we can live a joyful life, no matter the circumstances. For today though, find your joy, just like Paul, in the solace of your Savior who loves you! You will build endurance, shine a light to others, and bring healing to your own mind, heart, and body.