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.”
This passage of Scripture seems like an old friend to me. Many years ago I memorized the entire book of James. (Please do not ask me to recite it now. At age 82 it is much harder to memorize or recall.)
Many people seem to devote most of their energy seeking after that elusive quality of joy. The problem is that most seek it in all of the wrong places. They think that things, positions, or other people will bring them joy. They often become bitter and disappointed when they fail to find the joy they have been seeking.
When it comes right down to it, joy is a choice! That’s right. We either choose to be joyful or we hang our head and mope. The trials of life are not intended to drive us to despair, but to show to the world that our joy is in Jesus.
It is time to take stock of our personal lives. Are we living a life of joy in spite of the roadblocks of life? Do people see a difference in how we respond to the trials that arise? How are we different from the rest of the world? It is how we choose to find joy in circumstances that others see as defeat.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil