Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. – James 1:2
In a recent article on the connection between attitudes and health, Dr. Karen Lawson, who is recognized in the area of holistic medicine, wrote, “Emotional resilience is like a rubber band—no matter how far a resilient person is stretched or pulled by negative emotions, he or she has the ability to bounce back to his or her original state.” How would you characterize your resilience? How much will your spiritual “rubber band” be stretched over the next several months as Americans face a new presidential election that is already contentious? Though you could respond with apprehension, perhaps you are among those who are eager to see what God is going to do next.
In John 16:33, Jesus states, “In the world you will have tribulation.” Followers of Christ will experience temptations, trials, and tribulations. Having a perspective guided by spiritual insight leads the believer to patiently go on. Jesus has assured you He is the Overcomer upon whom you can rest your soul. Paul reminds you that God will provide a means of escaping temptation, so you can bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). The one who endures is blessed (James 5:11). Your faith will be strengthened as God turns the messiness of coming through trials into a message of His power. Peter echoes James when he says to rejoice when your faith is tested (1 Peter 1:6-9). Even in the deepest valleys, you can know God’s comfort (Psalm 23:4).
Theologian C.H. Spurgeon writes, “Your faith is the target that all the arrows are shot at.” Scholar and author J.B. Phillips wrote, “Joy in trials comes from knowing that the outcome will be good.” Though the tests from temptations, trials, or tribulations may not be joyful in the moment (Hebrews 12:11), they result in the development of your character and a closer walk with the Lord (Romans 8:28). Pray for an increase in strength of character and unity among Christians during this election season as God works out His will for the nation.
Today’s Verse: James 1:2
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: James 1:2-12
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
