James 1:2-4 was my life verse back in 2010-2011, and I sense it is becoming at least my December verse, if not my 2017 life verse again.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Some days when I read or recite this verse I feel empowered and uplifted. Other days part of me says :”I don’t care if I am not growing in maturity. I’m NOT delighting in today’s trial!” Thankfully, the other part of me eventually wins and I press on. For most days, I choose whole-heartedly to wrestle through the process of finding joy in the midst of trial. However, some days it’s a much prettier process than others! Some days this involves mental pep talks, prayer, and journaling. Other days, it involves venting (vertical to God and often horizontal to friends, too), tears, and probably more venting!
Regardless of how ugly or pretty the process of the day is to arrive at the point of choosing joy amidst the day’s trials, at the end of the day, I do choose joy. Why? Because it’s readily available for me since Jesus is IN me! And after all, why would I want to choose anything other than God’s best? He gave His Son so that we all might enjoy abundant life, which includes joy. I don’t pretend to say that choosing joy amidst trials is easy. I have had my fair share of significant life trials- relationally, vocationally, financially, and medically, but that doesn’t change the truth that Jesus is in me and YOU and that He died that we might live…and live abundantly–full of peace, love, hope, and JOY. And for that, I am forever grateful. 🙂
GratefulOne 