Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds…
James 1:1
We may think it impossible to consider any kind of discomfort, let alone suffering, a cause for joy. When we consider the many things that cause us distress —traffic, injustice, getting laid off, being scammed, broken relationships, etc. —it is hard to get into a “joyful mode” when we are in the midst of them. Our emotions tend to get in the driver’s seat, take the reins, and react. But Scripture tells us first of all to consider it joy. The word, consider, does not mean a reactionary thought, but one that has been mulled over beforehand to the extent that it becomes the most leading thought in one’s mind. It is the thought that rules over competing thoughts. When we think about what James is asking his readers to do, it is with the understanding that these believers have had the prior teaching about the challenges of a first-century church and believer. He is encouraging them in times of trial and testing to:
Consider what they know to be true…
- Suffering is part of the believer’s life.
so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass. 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
- Jesus suffered, so we too suffer.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. 1 Peter 4:12-13
Consider what it is accomplishing…
- Suffering produces good fruit in a believer’s life.
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
Consider the outcome…
- Suffering in a believer’s life results in a glorious, God honoring outcome that far exceeds our temporary distress or discomfort.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17
Consider Who’s got your back
- Everything in a believer’s life rests within God’s righteous, sovereign, omnipotent hand. He has called you as his own and it will be in him where we will find all the divine support we need.
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
When James’ audeinece, and we, modern readers, consider all of the above, we discover that there is much joy to be had in our trials and testing. Joy, in the Biblical sense, is a state of delight and well-being that results in knowing and serving God.1 Joy happens when we consider that we share in the sufferings of Christ because we are joined to him. Joy happens when we know the results of temporary adversity produce eternal rewards. Joy happens when we have the Almighty Godhead giving us guidance, protection, and power through it all. Considering what we know about God, His promises and plan in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the trials come, not as hopeless devastation, but as an opportunity for growth. Just like a sick patient who must go through unpleasant treatments or medications knowing the hope of the cure is within reach, we endure the unpleasantness knowing that the hope and weight of glory will surpass all this world can dole out. This does not mean we will be doing a happy dance when a crisis comes, but we will respond with wisdom and strength the Lord has provided. My prayer for you, dear Believer, and for myself also, is that when the next trial and hardship comes, we keep our eyes on the One who is not only above the storm, but who controls it by His Sovereign omnipotence.
In Christ,
Bianca
~Further reading~
Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Philippians 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,
John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!
Acts 14:22
…strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. ‘We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.
Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
- Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, © 2015 ↩︎
