Complete Joy

Count it all joy, my brothers, 
when you meet trials of various kinds, —James 1:2

Have you experienced complete joy during trials? I am not referring to temporal happiness, but spiritual joy that comes from God. James’ attitude is similar to Paul’s in 2 Corinthians: “In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy” (2 Corinthians 7:4). How can you and I experience this joy?

The Well Church, let us remember that this complete joy does not reside in trials. Pure joy comes from knowing that even amid a storm, God is in control of all things. As Joseph told his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20b). We must keep our eyes on Jesus, especially during trials. Let us pray for each other today that we will trust in God and rest in Him.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28