“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” -James 1:2-3
The author of James starts off this book of the Bible with what can be a hard concept for many of us. One thing that we all have seen and can agree on is that this life isn’t easy. We face obstacles every day of our lives. Sometimes they are little things; other times the obstacles are much bigger. It can be easy to let the circumstances of life weigh us down and push us into depression. It is easy to think that the world is against you and what you do doesn’t matter.
But what we see in this passage from the Bible is that we are to turn the bad things that happen to us into opportunities to praise God. We are to be joyful in the midst of the trials and trust that God is working on our behalf. This Joy that is mentioned in the book of James is not one that is based on our current circumstances. This Joy is rooted in the fact that we can be at peace knowing that the God of the universe calls us His child and loves us unconditionally. This Joy can’t be taken away by the world and the trials we encounter.
During this season of advent, remember to have Joy. It is difficult for many people as they are missing loved ones who have died or are experiencing some form of loss. I want to encourage you that even in the midst of what can sometimes be a chaotic season, keep your eyes focused on Jesus. Allow the work that Jesus did on the cross for each of us to fill you with Joy. Knowing that no matter what trials come your way, your faith will be stronger on the other side. Continue to have Joy and spread it to those around you!
Jeremy Barbee
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