This post is the first in a series of studies about “James”.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

James – Day 1

Most of us are suffering from something: sickness, depression, not seeing family, lack of work, too much work, financial restraints, and it is difficult to do as James suggests, counting it all joy! That is generally our last reaction, and is a hard thing to do from day to day.

James 1:1-4

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
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.

The Thought

As I begin to write my thoughts on this short epistle of James, (one of my personal favourites) we are in the early days of 2022. The world is suffering from many things, mainly covid related. Or so it seems. Most of us are suffering from something: sickness, depression, frustration, not seeing family, lack of work, too much work, financial restraints, and it is difficult to do as James suggests, counting it all joy!! That is generally our last reaction, and is a hard thing to do from day to day.

I know very few, even very mature Christians who succeed in counting their trials as joy. Most of us grit our teeth and try to smile! Yes we persevere, because we know God will see us through, but it isn’t always easy.

The point is not to rejoice in the difficulties, but to rejoice in the God who is still on the throne, who sees everything, who knows the end of every story, and who loves us so much that He gave His Son for us. That is worth “considering pure joy”! Persevering through trials gives us good testimonies to share, and it is the sharing of these testimonies that overcomes the enemy (Revelation 12:11). Hallelujah!

Action

Praise God that He is helping you mature. Praise Him for the victories you have seen in the past, and for the assurance that He will see through anything you are suffering at the moment.

Pray for those you know who are facing more serious trials right now.