“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith (through experience) produces endurance (leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace).” James 1:2-3 AMP.
Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines consider as the following: to fix the mind on; to think on with care; to ponder; to study; to meditate on. Thinking on these definitions gives new light to the verse above and how we should act in trials. The verse says to consider it nothing but joy. So when we substitute some of the definitions, we get to fix the mind on joy; to meditate on joy. I’ve heard this verse before and seemed to pass over the first sentence, which is actually the command or instruction we should follow. The last thing we want to do when facing trials or disruptions in our lives is to consider it joy. It feels good to complain about our trials, our disruptions, and our interruptions. Most people don’t judge too harshly when we do because they have been there too. It doesn’t take any extra effort or brain power to complain about our situation. It usually feels good to tell other people about it and get their sympathy.
How do we get out of our feelings and off the easy route to actually consider it joy in these situations? It comes in our focus of minute by minute reminding ourselves of all the good things we have. For example, when disruptions come at your job, focus on being joyful you actually have a job. When you have to adjust something in your family schedule to accommodate activities, be thankful you can attend those activities. As we focus on, ponder, and think on the things we can do, we will find more joy in the situation than frustration. We will feel better though the situation and also gain the promises of the verse, endurance and inner peace. Those are some powerful promises! I don’t want to feel like I’m in turmoil or not equipped to do the things I need to do in my life.
Don’t merely survive each day by giving in to your feelings. Next time consider joy so you can thrive!
Nae's Notes 