James 1:2-3
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.
Having problems, trials and difficulties hardly sounds like the best way to create joy – let alone pure joy! So what is James talking about? He’s taking his readers to the heart of the Christian faith, which turns everything upside down.
James is not saying that when we face difficulties it’s a bundle of fun. He is speaking to people who knew what it was to suffer for their faith, and he wants them to know that when we place our difficulties in God’s hands, He produces something incredibly exciting. Something which lasts. Something which takes us closer to the heart of God, and that always produces joy.
I’m not suggesting you should now go out and tell your friends who are suffering at the moment that they need to burst into joyful song and perform cartwheels in celebration. That would be ridiculous and totally insensitive, so don’t do it! But you can encourage them because God is at work, and as they share their tough times with Him, He will bless them and strengthen them and give them that perseverance which we all need in order to live effective and fruitful lives. Joy is the inevitable and amazing result of placing our lives in God’s loving hands.
Question
In what ways have you personally experienced joy in times of difficulty, and how could you pass on that encouragement to other people?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for the good news that You are with me in every difficulty that I face. Thank you for Your gift of joy even in the toughest times. Amen

Released on 21 Sep 2026