Consider it Pure Joy

Good morning. It is Monday, April 12, 2021. I hope your weekend was nice. The weather sure was gorgeous on Sunday!

I have a dear friend who, after Wendell passed away, began sending me scripture every single morning with beautiful nature scenes or some other inspiring picture. Thank you Alta! This morning it was James 1:2,3 I have read these verses many times but this morning it really got me to thinking.

I think it is safe to say we all have problems. We all have troubles. How we deal with those situations is what really matters. I have told myself many times during my trials and heartaches that I have a choice. I can blame God. I can run from God. Or I can lean into Him and rely on Him. I choose the latter. Yes, it is a choice.

James 1:2-4 NIV says "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."

There is so much in those 3 verses! Consider it joy when you face trials! Why? Because it produces perseverance and perseverance makes you mature and complete.

According to Merriam Webster:

Definition of perseverance:

: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of persevering : STEADFASTNESS"

Definition of steadfast:

1a: firmly fixed in place : IMMOVABLE

b: not subject to change

2: firm in belief, determination, or adherence : LOYAL

I want steadfastness in my life. I want to be firmly fixed in place so that nothing moves me from my faith. I want perseverance! I want the hope that only suffering brings.

Romans 5:3-5 NIV "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

If you are going through a hard time right now, do not give up. Jesus loves you. Your Heavenly Father loves you. Ask for the Holy Spirit and trust in Him who gives it freely to those who ask.

Remember, Jesus is coming soon!