Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

I am sure we’ve all heard the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” I can’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, somewhere back in the day, that saying came from the book of James. Notice that it says whenever you face trials of many kinds. Friends, we are going to face trials, be it sickness, disappointment, anger, loss, brokenness, loneliness, whatever it may be, trials are going to come. The question is how do we handle these trials that come our way? Do we lock ourselves in our closets and close out the world, do we walk around with a chip on our shoulder, mad at the world, or do we look up and smile and say “With You Lord, all things are possible?” The Bible tells us to consider it pure JOY. It’s all about our attitude and how we look at the situation. Will we be glass half empty or half full people?

From personnel experience, I can go both ways. Depending on the situation, I can waver back and forth between woe is me and woo hoo is me! However, the Bible specifically tells us to face these circumstances with JOY. That means I need to quit wavering and focus on the positive. Wait, I think I just heard my husband Joe uttering these words to me. “Look at all of your blessings Amy, instead of focusing on the few things that you are upset over.” He is so very good at reminding me of that.

And when we face these trials with pure JOY, our faith increases, our perseverance multiplies so that we are able to face additional challenges with a positive attitude and as a result we become who God wants us to be; mature in our faith and relying on Him every step of the way. Let’s focus on the JOY He gives us this week my friends!

Prayer

Constant Companion, You want us to grow, to thrive, and to be all that You have called us to be. Oftentimes that means we have to walk through the “storms of life,” unsure of how long they will last and what is waiting for us on the other side. Help us to know that You bring the umbrellas Lord and with Your help, we can face each challenge or trial with pure JOY in our hearts! Amen.