How can I find joy in the midst of trials?

Response

James 1:2-4 teaches, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This is the initial point James addresses in his letter following his greeting. Why? Due to its significance. Many believers assume that once they have chosen Christ, everything will fall into place, and life will be easy. However, when challenges and difficulties arise or persist, they start to question, “why?” Pondering how they can endure tough situations and find joy in them.

Peter also discusses the theme of joy amidst trials. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:6-9).

Both of these passages provide guidance on what we should do. ‘Consider it pure joy…’ ‘In this you greatly rejoice…’ Why? Because trials strengthen us. The James passage clearly indicates that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. The Peter passage states that our faith, which is invaluable, will be proven genuine and lead to praise for God. But how? How can we discover joy amidst challenges, hardships, and painful circumstances?

First, we must comprehend that the joy the world offers

It is not the same as the joy the Spirit provides. Worldly joy or happiness comes and goes like waves hitting the shore. It is not something you can hold onto when you have lost a loved one or are facing bankruptcy. The Spirit’s joy or happiness, however, can remain with you for the long term. For the believer, the fruit of the Spirit, including joy, is like an endless well of water—there is always an abundant supply. Even in the darkest days, when sadness, grief, and loss may threaten to overwhelm you, God’s joy is present.

Secondly, we need to understand that God’s joy cannot be taken away. You might believe that it has disappeared—that the hands of misfortune have taken it from you—but it has not. As believers, we are assured of the constant presence of the Holy Spirit. We are assured of His joy. Just as our salvation is guaranteed through Jesus’ one-time sacrifice for all. Jesus’ words in John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Other examples include Acts 13:52, “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 16:34, “The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.”

Thirdly, we need to stop wallowing, whining, and complaining and grasp onto God’s joy. Just like salvation, joy is a free and perfect gift from Him, and we must reach out and accept that gift. Grasp onto it. Like a lifeline. Choose joy. Over bitterness, anger, and sorrow. Make a decision to choose joy every day. No matter what. Look at these great examples in Scripture: “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:2-3). “You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message w

With the joy given by the Holy Spirit” «And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: », (1 Thessalonians 1:6). “Be joyful always” «Rejoice evermore. », (1 Thessalonians 5:16). “You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions” «For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. », (Hebrews 10:34). And the best illustration of all, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” «looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. », (Hebrews 12:2).

Throughout Scripture, we see the persecution of the church, the trials, and hardships that believers have faced. The challenge then is to truly learn how to consider each trial joy.

This topic is very near and dear to my heart because it is a lesson I’m relearning each and every day. My daughter has a rare nerve disorder, she’s had brain surgery, and we’ve faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles, mountains of medical bills, bankruptcy, and foreclosure. But you know what I have discovered? God’s joy really is there. You can consider each trial joy, you can greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.Full of glory even when you feel like you are face-first in the mud puddle. You can endure whatever circumstances are making you tremble in your boots right now. If you have been saved through faith in Jesus Christ, you have all you need.

Embrace God’s joy.