James 1:2 1 Peter 4:12 Romans 8:39 12/8/15

James 1:2  Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance

To understand this verse we have to understand the meaning of Joy.
Most people confuse Joy with happiness. But it is much deeper, and does not depend on circumstance.

In this verse, trials are seen as "spiritual weightlifting"....and joy is the "burn" you get when it is done correctly.  Not a pleasant feeling, but there is satisfaction when it is achieved.  That burn tells you that you are getting stronger,  and athletes intentionally push themselves until they feel it.

God says Trials should be viewed in the same way. The temporary pain will build permanent endurance.

If our culture lacks anything today, it is endurance.  We are accustomed to instant gratification, and we are quick to wave the white flag if things get difficult.  It seems we have been taught that it should be easy...but God never said that, in fact He said the opposite:

 ^"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." ( 1 Peter 4:12)

In other words, we should not be surprised by trials, and when they come we should view them as opportunities to grow.  We must be encouraged when we feel the burn, and know that we are gaining strength.

Add to that encouragement the fact that..." neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."(Romans 8:39) .....and that combination of  "encouragement and inseparability", is the definition of "Joy".

"The Lord gets his best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction."
Charles Spurgeon

Joy is not in things; it is in us.

Richard Wagner