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Articles
Joy in Trials
The term joy creates in our mind’s eye the images of happiness, gladness, and good tidings. It is a word we typically use to describe the disposition of newly weds, parents of a newborn, or even those who have begun retirement. These are moments in life where one’s heart is filled with so much happiness and exuberant cries of joy. It is so wonderful to witness this joy being experienced in other’s lives, but our lives are also filled with times of great sorrow and concern. How should we react in those moments of trial and sorrow?
It is inevitable that trials will come, but how we react in those moments will demonstrate the source our hope and strength. The Hebrew writer wrote, “fixing our eyes of Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2). The cross is an emblem of pain and suffering, but Jesus was able to find joy in the midst of His greatest trial, how? The apostle Paul to the Romans wrote –
28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; (Romans 8:28-29).
Jesus was able to look beyond the present suffering and see its perfect result. Are we willing to imitate His heart in the midst of our trials?
The prophet James wrote, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (1:2-3). When we encounter trials in this life will we react by the strength given by God, or will we allow this world to determine our reliance on God? We must find joy in our relationship with God. This relationship is not a promise of an easy life, but rather God offers us a place of solace in this darkening world. In God, we find the light to help us through the day (Psalm 119:105; John 8:12). In God, we find the One who desires to hear all of our cares and concerns (Philippians 4:6). In God, we find peace which goes beyond comprehension (Philippians 4:7). In God, we find the One who cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Why have Christians throughout the centuries endured through persecution and tremendous trials? It is because we have the only source of true strength and joy – our faith in Jesus Christ!
