Jesus’ Joy not Happiness

Scripture:  James 1:2-3 says My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

It should not seem strange that troubling circumstances befall us. We are to be overjoyed, not because of the circumstances, but because God is able to keep us in the midst of the circum-stances. James 1:2-3 says “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Our natural response is not to rejoice; therefore, the believer must make a conscious commitment to face trials with joy. Joy is from Jesus and is characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit, but happiness depends on the right happenings or the right circumstances.

The word “trials” here denotes trouble, or something that breaks the pattern of peace, comfort, joy and happiness. The trial puts us to the test with the purpose of discovering that person’s nature or that thing’s quality. God brings tests to prove, increase the strength and quality of one’s faith and to demonstrate its validity. Since every test of faith is designed to strengthen us, if we wrongly respond, that test becomes a temptation to do evil. When we patiently endure, spiritual maturity will be evidenced, and our faith will have produced a deeper and greater trust in Christ. Satan tries to discourage us, but we have to remember that our trials are part of the chastening process to melt the dross - our ugly attitudes and those peculiar ways that are totally contrary to the character of Christ. Actions change feelings. We must learn to acknowledge feelings and then express them in a way that honors God. Work on your actions and the right feelings will follow. (Pastor Wayne Cockrell) It isn’t your position that makes you happy or unhappy, it’s your disposition.

Prayer:  My loving Heavenly Father, oh how much I must continue to learn in this short life.  Your ways are not my ways, they are so much higher therefore, a trial or test is an expression of Your wisdom and love for me.  May I continue to experience Your joy that enables me to keep praising You no matter what the circumstances.

(by Cheryl Torain)