January 16: The Joy of the Lord: Choosing Joy in the midst of trials

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The Joy of the Lord: Choosing Joy in the midst of trials

Author: Jusene Brown

 Key Text: James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” 

Is it possible to choose joy or find the joy of the Lord during trials? There is a misconception that once we accept Christ, we will not face trials or adversity. When trials arise, they can plunge us into pain, depression, anxiety, unexplained illnesses, and other effects. 

You may have experienced or are presently going through a trial or series of trials in your life—trials in your family, marriage, with your children, at work, in your daily activities, or at church. How can we then experience joy when everything seems to be stacked against us, when it is more than we can bear? 

The answer is found in James 1:2-4. We are encouraged to face our trials joyfully, knowing that when our faith in God is tested and we endure, we will be stronger than before. Our trials produce patience, which results in growth and makes us stronger. So, hold on and let your faith be tested because as it survives and matures, your character will mature as well, and you will become more steadfast. 

We are reminded by Peter’s writing in 1 Peter 4:12-14 not to be surprised when we face trials, as Christ too suffered for us. It also reminds us of the joy we will have to be partakers of His glory when we see Him. 

So, be joyful through the trials. Let us say faithfully like Job, who, having lost everything, proclaimed, “The Lord giveth, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

As Habakkuk 3:17-19 says, though everything may look desolate, though your life may be falling apart and you want to give up, remember that you can rejoice in the God of our salvation. He will lift us to places we have never seen before. He will give us more than we ever expected. And if we do not experience it in this life, we will experience it in the world to come when Christ returns.

Is it possible to choose joy in trials? The answer is yes. Here are a few tips to help you embrace joy in your trials:

  • Make God your priority: Focus on your relationship with God above all else.
  • Claim the promises found in the Word of God: Hold onto the assurances given in the Bible.
  • Petition the throne of Grace: Pray earnestly and seek God’s help and guidance.
  • Celebrate the victory: Praise God for the trials, knowing that He has already won the victory over them.
  • Praise God for trials. Praise God that He has already won the victory over our trials. We can, therefore, rejoice and be joyful.
Prayer: Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of joy that comes from Your presence, even in the midst of trials. Teach us to fix our eyes on You, trusting in Your unfailing love and perfect plan. Fill our hearts with Your peace that surpasses understanding, and remind us that Your joy is our strength. Help us to choose joy each day, knowing that You are with us, guiding us through every challenge. May our lives reflect Your goodness and faithfulness, bringing glory to Your name.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Photographer: Shaqueena Shanuel Danvers


Comments

  1. Rosemarie17 January 2025 at 04:08

    It is possible to choose joy or find the joy of the Lord during trials. Thank you Jusene for the reminder.

    ReplyDelete

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