“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials.” [James 1:2 HCSB]
I must admit James and I have a different view of experiencing “various trials.” My first impression when a trial hits is to think, “Oh, no, not another one!” I seldom immediately respond with “Oh joy! Another trial!”
But James does not say our initial response to a trial has to be excitement or enthusiasm. He says we are to “consider” or “count” our trials a great joy. (And notice he does not define the type of trials but leaves it open for all kinds.)
Our English words, consider or count, may not give justice to this Greek word. Consider in English means to ponder, contemplate, or think about. The Greek word, however, comes from a root which means “to lead” or “to command.”
Joy is to take the lead into and through every trial. Think of it as the general leading an army into battle. There are many soldiers, and much equipment available for the fight, just as we have much at our disposal in Christ Jesus to win every battle we face. But at the head of every army is a general, one who leads, strategizes, and commands.
In our battles, that general is the Joy! that is resident in the Holy Spirit of God. We face our battles with the knowledge that God will do something good in us through them. We will become stronger, more experienced, victorious, and able when we emerge from the trial. Knowing all that, Joy! leads us through the experience.
Looking back on my life, I see that I have always grown more in times of difficulties than in times of ease. Had I always allowed Joy! to lead I might have grown even more!
