Count It Joy (James 1.2-4)
As we gather together today, our hearts converge on a single, profound concept, an idea that, at first glance, may seem paradoxical, even contrary to our natural instincts. Today, we delve into the heart of the Epistle of James, where we encounter an exhortation to "count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds."
Joy? In the face of trials? This raises a myriad of questions and stirs a whirlpool of emotions. It's easy to rejoice in times of prosperity, in moments of peace and tranquility. But how can we find joy amidst hardship and pain, amidst trials and tribulations that shake us to our core?
It's an idea that challenges us, inviting us to explore the depths of our faith and our understanding of God's purpose for our lives. This scripture asks us to re-evaluate our reactions, to shift our perspectives, and to approach our trials with a mindset that seems to contradict human nature.
In the next moments, we will three key concepts. First, we'll seek to unravel the meaning of "count it all joy" and consider how our perception of events shapes our reality. Then, we'll explore the battle between Joy and Despair, as we examine the paradox of our discontented society in the face of our Christian call to joy. And finally, we'll discover practical ways to count it all joy, to see trials as something we can tackle with a smile on our faces and in our hearts.
This study is not merely an intellectual exercise. Instead, it is a quest for transformation, a call to approach our trials with a spirit of joy and a heart of faith, guided by the wisdom of James, the teachings of Christ, and the revelations of the Holy Spirit.
What Does It Mean?
James 1:2–4 (ESV) — 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
In this journey to understand joy in the midst of trials, let's begin at the heart of the matter: What does it mean to "Count it all joy?" Our children know how to count. Even little Phoebe has learned to count to three. But if I were to count something as something else that seems odd. This is not something that normally happens. We cannot count ice cream as a meal (or maybe we could) or counting broccoli as dessert. It doesn’t seem right. But on occasion we are told that something can be counted as something else. In the Bible, we read that God counted Abraham’s faith as righteousness from Romans 4. We might believe works are counted as righteousness. But no one has works, so God decides to count faith.
To count something as joy does not mean that it is apparently joyful. Like faith is not apparently righteous. But it is to take in something that we might not perceive as joyful and see the value in it. To decipher this, let's consider how our perceptions of events shape our reality to some extent.
Now, the word 'perception' is defined as a way of understanding or interpreting something. It is a mental lens through which we view the world around us. Our perception colors the world, influencing our reactions, emotions, and ultimately, our understanding of reality. Therefore, to truly "count it all joy," we must transform our perception of trials.
But how, you may ask, does one rejoice in suffering? Isn't suffering, by its very definition, something to be avoided, something that causes pain and sadness? Herein lies the complexity. When James tells us to consider our trials as joy, he isn't instructing us to deny or suppress our pain. Nor is he asking us to put on a happy face and pretend everything is okay. Instead, James is encouraging us to shift our perspective to account for heavenly realities.
He's asking us to see trials not as something merely to be endured, but as an opportunity. He's encouraging us to move beyond our initial reaction of discomfort, to delve deeper into the trial and discover the potential for joy that lies within.
Picture this: a lump of coal under the immense pressure of the earth doesn't perceive its future as a diamond. Yet, it's precisely the pressure that brings about its transformation. Similarly, we can view our trials as the pressure required for our transformation, the means to mold us into spiritual diamonds.
Joy Vs. Despair
Having understood what it means to "count it all joy," we now turn to the next phrase, “Trials of Various Kinds.” Notice how James doesn’t point us to a specific trial. It’s not that one trial should be counted all joy. He says “Various Kinds.” What kinds of trials does that include? Is it like when Starbucks messes up my order? Maybe not all, but many.
In the paradoxical landscape of our lives, the wealthiest and most blessed society in history, we still encounter a torrent of despair. We wrestle with discontentment, loneliness, hopelessness, and fear. All the while, the echo of a simpler, joyful life seems to mock us from a distance.
Why do we struggle so profoundly? We are Christians, the children of an omnipotent and benevolent Father. We are the inheritors of promises, miracles, and prophecies that have seen fulfillment through the ages. We are meant to be people of enormous joy. So, how have we, as a society, fallen into the depths of such despair?
We live in a world that measures success by material wealth and social standing. We are constantly bombarded with images of 'perfect' lives on social media, commercials pushing us to buy more, be more, do more, to finally reach that elusive pinnacle of happiness. But this constant pursuit leaves us empty, always striving, never content.
Even though we possess many blessings, our joy is often overshadowed by the desire for more. We've become like the child who receives a mountain of gifts for Christmas but remains unhappy because one toy was missing from the pile. In our pursuit of more, we've lost sight of what we already have.
But remember, Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3). He didn't mean that we must be financially poor or lack ambition. He meant that we should recognize our spiritual poverty, our absolute dependence on God for true joy and satisfaction.
The scriptures call us to a different measure of success, one not rooted in material wealth or social standing, but in spiritual prosperity and unity with God. The world encourages us to fill our lives with temporary, fleeting pleasures. But God invites us to experience a joy that is profound, enduring, and rooted in our relationship with Him.
We need to reorient our compass, to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). When we do this, we will discover that true joy doesn't come from our circumstances, possessions, or achievements. True joy emanates from our relationship with God, knowing that we are His children, loved and cherished.
In our trials, instead of sinking into despair, let's shift our focus to God. Let's recall His love, His promises, and His faithfulness. Let's remember that no trial is wasted in His grand design. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow closer to Him, to deepen our faith, and to become more like Jesus.
How?
Dear friends, it's high time we reclaim our joy. It's time we move from despair to delight. But how do we do this?
See The Truth
He tells us we must see our trials for what they truly are: Our trials are not random occurrences or cruel jokes. They are not punishments for our shortcomings, nor are they divine mistakes. They are the very mechanisms through which our faith is tested, refined, and strengthened.
Think of a potter molding clay. The pressure applied, the intense heat of the kiln, these are not meant to destroy the clay but to transform it into a beautiful, useful vessel. Similarly, our trials are not meant to break us, but to make us. To mold us into stronger, more resilient, and faithful believers.
See The Outcome
Secondly, we need to see what the test of faith is intended to produce - steadfastness, perfection, and completion. The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5:3-4 that "suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character." Our trials are designed to produce a steadfastness that leads us towards spiritual maturity.
But how do we develop steadfastness? By choosing to trust God even when the world around us crumbles. By clinging to His promises, knowing that He is faithful and His plans for us are good. This is how we develop a steadfast faith, unshakeable in the face of adversity.
Suffering is instrumental in our journey towards steadfast faith and spiritual maturity. Because through the trials, we are being made perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. This level of development brings God glory.
See The End
Thirdly, we must understand how enduring trials with joy leads to the promise of an imperishable inheritance. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
This crown of life is not a temporary reward or fleeting pleasure, but an eternal promise, an inheritance that will never fade. It's the reassurance that our present trials are not only shaping us for this life but preparing us for the next. Trials are stepping stones towards our eternal reward.
See God
Finally, it’s important to remember that this will never happen in our strength. We must be leaning into God's grace and love. In the end, “joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God.”
As Nehemiah 8:10b says, "...the joy of the Lord is your strength." Let's tap into that divine strength today and face our trials, not with despair, but with the unstoppable joy of the Lord. This is foundational.
Conclusion
As we come to the conclusion of our study today, I want to speak directly to those among us who feel weighed down by life's trials. To those who are walking through the valley of shadow, to those who are wrestling with discouragement and despair. You are not forgotten. You are not alone.
We've learned that our trials are not meaningless burdens, but divinely orchestrated opportunities for growth, transformation, and preparation for an eternal reward. Yet, I understand that in the face of despair, these truths may seem distant, perhaps even out of reach. But remember, it's not the strength of our faith that saves us, but the strength of the One in whom we place our faith. And that One, Jesus Christ, has experienced more pain and suffering than we can imagine. He has been given all power and authority, and he is inviting you to lean on Him, to place your burdens at His feet. The good shepherd does not abandon his sheep, but cares for them and carries them when needed.
His invitation to you is not a call to muster up joy in your own strength. Rather, it's an invitation to rest in His strength, to find joy and peace in His presence, despite the trials you are facing.
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This is His promise to you today. He's not asking you to navigate this storm alone. He's extending His hand, inviting you to find shelter in Him.
So, if you find yourself weary, weighed down by trials, discouragement, or despair, take a moment now to accept His invitation. Whisper a prayer, reach out to Him, let your heart echo with the words, "Jesus, I need You."
In the end, counting it all joy is less about denying our pain and more about acknowledging the presence of Jesus in our trials. It's about trusting that He will not only walk with us through the fire but will use the heat of the trial to forge us into stronger, more resilient followers of Christ.
I encourage you, let's place our faith not in the fleeting things of this world, but in Jesus Christ, our Rock and Redeemer. For in Him, we find not only joy amidst our trials, but the promise of an imperishable inheritance that awaits us.
As we face life's trials, may we indeed count it all joy, knowing that we are in the hands of the One who can calm the storm, quiet our hearts, and lead us to everlasting joy. Let us lean into Jesus, our hope and our strength, as we navigate life's trials. In Him, we find our true joy, a joy that the world cannot take away.
May God strengthen you, encourage you, and fill you with His joy today and always. Count it all joy, beloved. In Christ, we are more than conquerors, even amidst our trials. Stand firm in this promise, and let your heart be filled with divine joy. Amen.