Experiencing Joy

James 1:2-3. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Hello? This doesn’t exactly sound like joy to me!

The dictionary defines joy as “the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.” In our culture, that often means something temporal or experiential. When it comes to the Christian faith, joy means gladness or deep satisfaction that comes from a sense of knowing one’s identity and purpose.

In essence, that “something exceptionally good or satisfying” is God himself and our relationship with him. We have our identity in him – scripture says we are his children and are greatly loved and valued by him. He desires that we love him in return. We also have our purpose in him – to accomplish that unique work which he prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

James understood that the work of the early church was to spread the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the Roman Empire (not exactly supportive of the effort) in a loving and winsome manner. He also understood that there is no gain without pain, and so he and the early church members were able to face trials with a joyful heart, knowing that their identity in Christ was secure and their purpose was clear.

May we earnestly seek God in order to know with great clarity our identity and purpose – and then experience great joy no matter what the circumstances of life may hold for us!