“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4.
James does not say “if” you face trials. He says “when” you face trials. It is possible to grow and to profit from trials.
The point is not to pretend to be happy when you face pain, but to look beyond the pain and trust God to help you to the other side— to see the strength that God will give you through these trials.
Happiness comes from the outside in and depends on others.
Joy is something that Jesus gives you from the inside out that depends on Him.
God will not leave you alone with your problems, He will stay close to you and give you the joy that only God can give. This joy will comfort you and help you to grow.
“I will never leave you or forsake you….…” Joshua 1:5. God is always with you adding growth to your faith through all things.
“—to perseverance, godliness, to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love. If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:7-8.
Have a blessed day!
In Christian love,
Diane