The Joy That Awaits
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.
James 1:2
The joy we experience from our trials can be some of the greatest joy we know. Since one of the major reasons God sends trials into our lives is to test the genuineness of our faith, what more fitting occasion to have joy than in and after an experience of suffering that has proved the reality of our salvation? A strengthened assurance of our salvation and confidence that God cares for us, as manifest in the reality that our suffering could neither break our faith nor sever us from His love, is cause for the highest happiness.
True joy does not come cheaply or as a fleeting, superficial emotion. Real joy is produced by much deeper factors than the circumstances that produce superficial happiness. If you are struggling through the negative circumstances of life, floundering in doubt and dismay, you have forgotten that genuine joy resides in the confidence that your life is hidden with Christ in God. In God’s providence, that joy and assurance can be most strong during a trial.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 304). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: We tend to forget God and His influence in our lives when things are going well. We only call on God when we are undergoing trials and even then we do so only grudgingly. We should instead depend on Christ at all times and in all situations and we should welcome every circumstance that God ordains with equal joy and contentment. True joy comes from faith and trust in God's goodness and not on circumstances. Trial and hardships are sent by God to test our faith, so take joy when your trust and belief strengthens your assurance of salvation.
Applications: In every circumstance, take joy in the knowledge that God is in control. Every trial we undergo is a result of His good and sovereign will, so we should thank Him for them. Usually we ask for God's help when we are in trouble without thanking Him, and then we completely forget about Him when life is going smoothly. Instead, we should thank Him constantly in prayer, and His peace will bring us contentment and joy (Isaiah 26:3; Phil 4:6-7).
Prayer Subjects: Pray for an unwavering trust in God. Pray that I would meet God's challenges with faith and thanksgiving. Pray that the peace of God will guard my heart and mind, bringing true joy and contentment.
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James 1:2
The joy we experience from our trials can be some of the greatest joy we know. Since one of the major reasons God sends trials into our lives is to test the genuineness of our faith, what more fitting occasion to have joy than in and after an experience of suffering that has proved the reality of our salvation? A strengthened assurance of our salvation and confidence that God cares for us, as manifest in the reality that our suffering could neither break our faith nor sever us from His love, is cause for the highest happiness.
True joy does not come cheaply or as a fleeting, superficial emotion. Real joy is produced by much deeper factors than the circumstances that produce superficial happiness. If you are struggling through the negative circumstances of life, floundering in doubt and dismay, you have forgotten that genuine joy resides in the confidence that your life is hidden with Christ in God. In God’s providence, that joy and assurance can be most strong during a trial.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 304). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: We tend to forget God and His influence in our lives when things are going well. We only call on God when we are undergoing trials and even then we do so only grudgingly. We should instead depend on Christ at all times and in all situations and we should welcome every circumstance that God ordains with equal joy and contentment. True joy comes from faith and trust in God's goodness and not on circumstances. Trial and hardships are sent by God to test our faith, so take joy when your trust and belief strengthens your assurance of salvation.
Applications: In every circumstance, take joy in the knowledge that God is in control. Every trial we undergo is a result of His good and sovereign will, so we should thank Him for them. Usually we ask for God's help when we are in trouble without thanking Him, and then we completely forget about Him when life is going smoothly. Instead, we should thank Him constantly in prayer, and His peace will bring us contentment and joy (Isaiah 26:3; Phil 4:6-7).
Prayer Subjects: Pray for an unwavering trust in God. Pray that I would meet God's challenges with faith and thanksgiving. Pray that the peace of God will guard my heart and mind, bringing true joy and contentment.
Listen to this entry
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