Count It All Joy
You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures. ~ Psalm 16:11
It's been said that all of us are either in a trial, just coming out of a trial, or just entering a trial. Even the word 'trial' seems antithetical to the concept of joy, yet James, the half-brother of Jesus, encourages us to embrace joy, even in suffering.
"Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind." (James 1:2-6)
You're Kidding, Right?
I don't know about you, but in my natural state, I am uninterested in developing patience through suffering. I want my needs (perceived or real) to be met, like, yesterday. And this is exactly why we need trials: they bring us to maturity. And patience is a hallmark of maturity (if you need proof, simply observe any human under the age of three!).
Good theology tells us we are not the authors of our fate; we do not know what is best for ourselves. God, however, who is our kind, loving, transcendent creator, absolutely does know what is best for us, and uses trials to bring us from one state of glory to a greater state of glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
We would not choose suffering for ourselves, yet God knows the pressures of life cause us to face reality. Either we change for the better, or we get stuck and become bitter. Each phase of suffering is an opportunity for us to lean into the wisdom of God, trusting His goodness for our next steps.
We're going to talk about wisdom next, but first I want to make the connection between trials and wisdom. Trials get our attention just as pain demands our brains' search for solutions. When faced with trials, we have a choice to spiral downward (because our own "solutions" aren't lasting answers) or to zoom outward (seek solutions outside of ourselves). That's why it's pure genius that immediately after acknowledging the reality of our suffering, James tells us where to find wisdom! What we need in moments of hardship is something only God can give us.
Helpful Promise #1: God Is a Generous Giver
James says God is a giver. What kind of a giver? He is a generous giver, and not only to certain privileged people, but to all who come to Him in faith. Why is this encouraging? He will abundantly meet our needs.
Helpful Promise #2: God Does Not Withhold Goodness
James pointedly tells us God is not only generous; He also is one who doesn't criticize us for asking for wisdom, and He certainly doesn't hold back from us (Psalm 84:11). Why do you think James had to specify God's character here? Could it be that we humans tend to withhold from each other? And that we project our tendencies onto the character of God?We have a hard time conceiving of a God who so greatly transcends us, who is so holy, faithful, honorable and loving that He gives without withholding, no strings attached.
Helpful Promise #3: God Provides Wisdom For Growth
When we're bogged down in a trial, our greatest need is to know God better. We need His wisdom for our next steps, and even how to endure our current reality. We can't go it alone (John 15:5). God is using our suffering for our good; with our cooperation, He will grow us into maturity. Our trial is not about punishment – it's about redemption, growth, restoration, and an overall very good plan for something much better than we can imagine! (Jeremiah 29:11)
Back To The Part About Joy
Maturity causes us to view our suffering through a different lens. Rather than seeing our suffering as a necessary evil or an exercise in futility, we can grasp the bigger picture of a loving God's work in us. That's where joy comes in: when we get a vision of a larger plan – a schematic for building stronger faith, hope, and patience – we can rejoice in praise of God's infinite wisdom in restoring us to who we were created to be.
Contrary to what humanism teaches, we become better not through our own efforts, but through the mysterious ways of God in His faithful work to change us for the better. The way up is down; the way to glory is through trials.
********
Note: if you are suffering in an abusive relationship, the next step is a safety plan. More suffering will not bring about glory, for you or for God. It is not wisdom, but foolishness to cling to the bondage of oppression. God calls us to honor and fear Him above the fear of man. Please reach out for help if you are suffering needlessly.
Click HERE to get free weekly articles in your inbox. Your info will never be shared.
©2023 Julianne Knapp. First published 5.23.23
It's been said that all of us are either in a trial, just coming out of a trial, or just entering a trial. Even the word 'trial' seems antithetical to the concept of joy, yet James, the half-brother of Jesus, encourages us to embrace joy, even in suffering.
"Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind." (James 1:2-6)
You're Kidding, Right?
I don't know about you, but in my natural state, I am uninterested in developing patience through suffering. I want my needs (perceived or real) to be met, like, yesterday. And this is exactly why we need trials: they bring us to maturity. And patience is a hallmark of maturity (if you need proof, simply observe any human under the age of three!).
Good theology tells us we are not the authors of our fate; we do not know what is best for ourselves. God, however, who is our kind, loving, transcendent creator, absolutely does know what is best for us, and uses trials to bring us from one state of glory to a greater state of glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
We would not choose suffering for ourselves, yet God knows the pressures of life cause us to face reality. Either we change for the better, or we get stuck and become bitter. Each phase of suffering is an opportunity for us to lean into the wisdom of God, trusting His goodness for our next steps.
We're going to talk about wisdom next, but first I want to make the connection between trials and wisdom. Trials get our attention just as pain demands our brains' search for solutions. When faced with trials, we have a choice to spiral downward (because our own "solutions" aren't lasting answers) or to zoom outward (seek solutions outside of ourselves). That's why it's pure genius that immediately after acknowledging the reality of our suffering, James tells us where to find wisdom! What we need in moments of hardship is something only God can give us.
Helpful Promise #1: God Is a Generous Giver
James says God is a giver. What kind of a giver? He is a generous giver, and not only to certain privileged people, but to all who come to Him in faith. Why is this encouraging? He will abundantly meet our needs.
Helpful Promise #2: God Does Not Withhold Goodness
James pointedly tells us God is not only generous; He also is one who doesn't criticize us for asking for wisdom, and He certainly doesn't hold back from us (Psalm 84:11). Why do you think James had to specify God's character here? Could it be that we humans tend to withhold from each other? And that we project our tendencies onto the character of God?We have a hard time conceiving of a God who so greatly transcends us, who is so holy, faithful, honorable and loving that He gives without withholding, no strings attached.
Helpful Promise #3: God Provides Wisdom For Growth
When we're bogged down in a trial, our greatest need is to know God better. We need His wisdom for our next steps, and even how to endure our current reality. We can't go it alone (John 15:5). God is using our suffering for our good; with our cooperation, He will grow us into maturity. Our trial is not about punishment – it's about redemption, growth, restoration, and an overall very good plan for something much better than we can imagine! (Jeremiah 29:11)
Back To The Part About Joy
Maturity causes us to view our suffering through a different lens. Rather than seeing our suffering as a necessary evil or an exercise in futility, we can grasp the bigger picture of a loving God's work in us. That's where joy comes in: when we get a vision of a larger plan – a schematic for building stronger faith, hope, and patience – we can rejoice in praise of God's infinite wisdom in restoring us to who we were created to be.
Contrary to what humanism teaches, we become better not through our own efforts, but through the mysterious ways of God in His faithful work to change us for the better. The way up is down; the way to glory is through trials.
********
Note: if you are suffering in an abusive relationship, the next step is a safety plan. More suffering will not bring about glory, for you or for God. It is not wisdom, but foolishness to cling to the bondage of oppression. God calls us to honor and fear Him above the fear of man. Please reach out for help if you are suffering needlessly.
Click HERE to get free weekly articles in your inbox. Your info will never be shared.
©2023 Julianne Knapp. First published 5.23.23