Turning Trials into Triumphs Through Joy (James 1:2)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 08-17-03

 

                                                                                                           

 

My Worship Time                                Focus:  Turning trials into triumphs through joy

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                                    Reference:  James 1:2

 

            Message of the verse:  “2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.” (NASB)  “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be and opportunity for joy.”  (NLT)

            The word translated for consider is a word that can mean to evaluate, in other words the believer is to have a plan for his life through the Word of God, and when trials are brought into his life part of his plan is to count it joy.  Notice that the verse does not say if trials come into your life, but when trials come into your life.  Trials come into the believer’s life because of being human; we can become sick or hurt, we can have tragedies, or disappointments.  Trials can come because we are Christians.  I have read that 400 believers die each day because of their faith in Jesus Christ, and countless others are being persecuted for the cause of Jesus Christ each day.  Joy does not necessarily mean happiness for happiness has to do with things on the outside of a person while joy deals with what is going on in the inside of a person.  The Lord Jesus Christ had joy while going to the cross, Hebrews 12:2 teaches this.  It cannot be said that He was happy about it, but as He looked ahead of returning to His Father in heaven and accomplishing the work that He was sent to do He certainly could have joy in that “bad” situation. 

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  The Lord has given new light into the meaning of this verse, for now I know that the reason for joy in trials is because the Lord uses them to bring about maturity in my life as I go through them, and He is the One who chooses the various trials that I should go through to bring about the desired maturity in my life.  Joy does not depend on the circumstances in my life but on my outlook, and my trusting of an all knowing, loving, gracious, merciful Heavenly Father who can never make a mistake.

 

The Word of God was refreshing to my heart as I read it this morning.  It was also challenging too.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  Have more trust in the Lord for the things that go on in my life, for He is the One who chooses the things that will cause me to grow into the image of His Son.