“It’s pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” James 1:2

The word count is a financial term, and it means “to evaluate.” When James says to “count it all joy,” he encourages his readers to evaluate the way they look at trials. He calls believers to develop a new and improved attitude that considers trials from God’s perspective. James wants believers to expect “trials of various kinds” (James 1:2) in their Christian life. We should be prepared and not caught off guard when a sudden trial comes upon us. Trials are part of the Christian experience. Jesus told His disciples, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33).

To consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of various kinds, seems like a hard thing to do. As Christians, we sometimes think the road must be smooth because we serve God. It is never so because even Jesus had to go through the wilderness and the CROSS as part of God's paths for him and not because he sinned. My question now is what is our attitude when we go through the furnace of affliction? Do we give up, murmur or do we stop walking in God's path? James urges us to work on changing our attitude toward troubles from dread to positive expectations, faith, trust and even joy.

We are admonished to count it pure Joy .... a joy that is all encompassing, a joy that is real, pure and can pass all understanding. Only that kind of joy can come from God.

James isn't saying fake it until you feel it or hide how you're actually feeling. He's saying that when we go through trials, we should do so joyfully because ultimately it produces patience, endurance and a stronger faith.

WHY must we count it all Joy?

1. Because God intends trials to test our faith and produce spiritual perseverance. Trials are like training challenges for an athlete. Trials develop our spiritual muscles, giving us the stamina and endurance to stay the course (Romans 5:2-5).

2. Because in them we learn to depend on God and trust Him. Faith that is tested becomes genuine faith, rugged faith, uncompromising faith. “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7).

3. Because God uses trials to discipline us (Romans 5:2-5).

Prayer: May we see purpose as we go through the dealings of the Lord