Pure Joy

Picture it. It's Monday morning and the power went out so you over slept. now you are running out to your car, in the rain and your umbrella flips over inside out. It's done. You make it to your car, soaking wet only to fumble the keys and drop them. Finally in the car and it wont start.

What a joyous start to the day right? Shouldn't that be a happy moment?

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds -James 1:2

Maybe these are not exactly the kinds of trials that James is talking about here. However I think a c case could be made for it. How often have you cursed under your breath that you didn't make the green light? I have to make it a point myself to breath and say, maybe this is what He wants for me. I will get there in His time. When we face the issues of daily living they can be important reminder to slow down. To remember that we are blessed enough to have a home, a car, a job. So what if we get a little wet or are a little late. The important thing is that we are grateful.

The rest of the sentence that James is speaking there fills that in.

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. Let perseverance finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -James 2-4

In our scenario this could be teaching us patients and or gratefulness. I have consistently remind myself just how grateful I should be for the countless blessings. This is where it's important to set aside some time to just be with God. Focus on Him. Read His word. Be grateful for what you do have instead of pining for what you do not.

So consider it pure joy when you face trials of many and any kind.

and then Press on. Fight the Good fight. As a Soldier for Christ.

Press on. Fight the Good Fight. As a Soldier for Christ.