Joy
We are living in some interesting times. The U.S. economy appears to
be in trouble and the things we once believed to be secure like our
safety from foreign enemies and certain freedoms are now in question.
Recently, we took a few minutes and interviewed some people at a local
shopping mall asking them about how they feel during tough times.
Think About It
There is a letter in the Bible written to all believers scattered around the world telling them to consider it pure joy whenever they encounter tough times. James writes… Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds… James 1:2
If you’re currently experiencing tough times it may or may not have anything to do with a poor economy. You may be struggling with your health, or relationships, or simply a state of mind.
Tough times evoke a variety of emotions. Sometimes we experience fear and even a sense of panic. Sometimes we get angry and want to blame somebody or something. Sometimes we walk around in a state of despair with our eyes glazed over.
Yet, Scripture instructs us to do something very different. The Bible tells us to dip down into the well of Joy when we are going through tough times. James is saying, “Embrace this season of trouble in your life.”
He is telling us to look at this trouble directly in the eye and invite him in as you would a friend.
Is this normal behavior for human beings? Absolutely not. The natural man either fights or flees in the face of danger. His fallen mind thinks in terms of survival – much like an animal. I am not saying the “fight or flight” instincts are not a positive part of God’s creation. I am saying they are the only tools available to the natural man – that is, the fallen man.
But James is not writing to the natural man; he is writing to those who have been reborn by the Spirit of God. Reborn people are those who have been and continue to be re-created by God. They are those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their God and Savior. In other words, as new creations, they have another option.
James tells us to “Consider” joy in the midst of trials. As a new creation of God, you have been given a third option to deal with trouble. Before you knew the Redeemer – the one who restores – you either waged war against your trouble or you found a bush to hide under.
Now you have an option to no longer view trouble as a threat. Because you know the God of the universe, nothing can enter your life without his permission. Therefore, no matter how big the trouble, your God still holds you in his hands. And because of this fact alone, you can open the door of your life and welcome Mr. Trouble to come in and be your friend and teacher.
Try It
So here’s what I want you to do. I would like you to meditate on the idea of receiving your trouble as a friend. The way I would like you to do this is to ask yourself this question:
How could this trouble prove to be my friend instead of an enemy?
As you ponder this question, write down some of your thoughts or share them with us by writing them down below.
