January 15, 2022
Charis
Joy.
Have you ever read James 1:2? I know I sure have. At first, it almost doesn't make sense:
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials" (James 1:2, NKJV)
Ok...what in the world? I don't know about you, but it's hard for me to be joyful anyways, even when things are going great, much less when I'm going through something tough.
Recently, however, God's been showing me there really is a reason to have joy in every circumstance. Why? Because He's working out a plan!
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28, NKJV)
There's one reason we can rejoice in trials: God's going to make something good of it!
"knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:3, NKJV)
There's the second reason: God will use them to give us patience, if we let Him! Honestly, this is very encouraging to me, because I'm always wishing I had more patience for everyone and every circumstance around me. Patience is a splendid reward for pursuing through trials!
"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11, NKJV)
And that's reason number three: God is still with us in the trials. And if we stay in His presence, we're promised joy and life!
You may be having a hard time with something right now. Maybe financially, things are tight. Or people are attacking you for being a true Christian. Or maybe you are struggling with depression, and you want rescue from that. Take heart--God's overcome the world, and He's not leaving you alone in your problems. He'll turn it around for something amazing!
I pray this week you'll be filled with God's joy.