“Consider it pure joy, my friends, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3
James can’t really be serious, can he? I should consider my trials with “pure joy” when I experience them? That can’t be right, that’s not how this world works. I could try to muster up some optimism or hope, but joy? That’s a tough one, especially in the trials of today. Nevertheless, that’s what the text says!
I’m glad that St. James goes on to explain that this joy comes from the knowledge that such trials develop in us the gift of perseverance. It then makes us ask ourselves, for what are we persevering? And here is where we find reason for joy, because we are persevering in the faith for the gift of eternal life in the bliss of heaven. This is a reward we don’t earn but which is rather given to us by God and makes all the riches of the world pale in comparison. It also makes the weight of the trials we face pale in comparison.
We need this encouragement now today more than ever. There are real trials we are facing that would steal away our hope, discourage us and leave us without reason for joy. Whatever trials we face, we remember that they are not greater than our reward or the knowledge that our Lord Jesus is with us even in our times of testing. Being certain of this truth gives us the ability to live this joy through the power of the Holy Spirit. God grant this unto us for the sake of Christ!
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy!
Pastor Kilian
