Mature Suffering
Meditating on Trials – Part 4

Scripture Reading: James 1:2-4, James 1:12

Key Verse: James 1:2

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds

The Apostle James challenges us to discipline our thought life so that we consider trials as occasions for joy. The Greek word James used for joy was “chara.” Its literal meaning is, “the cause of gladness.” James is saying, when you are hurting, see it—describe it—as a cause for gladness. James makes it clear that we should think this way for all our trials. He wrote it this way: “when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2b).

Christ follower, Jesus told us that we would all face troubles in this world; no one is exempt. It doesn’t matter how spiritual you are; we will all face many trials and various kinds of trials. We have no vote or control over this fact of life! The only thing we have control over is how we think about these trials. What will the meditations about our pain and suffering sound like?

The easiest path—our default mode—is to complain and grumble about problems and troubles. We must have a determination not to allow our thoughts to go to this easy path. We must remind ourselves that trials are a proving of our faith and love for God. The Greek word James used for trial literally means “serving to test or prove one’s character, faith, and holiness.” Be sure that you will pass the test today. Consider your trials as joy because God is at work in your life!

Father, thanks for being a loving and good Father to me. I know you are at work in me, even in my pain. In Jesus’ name, amen.