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James 1:2

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
(NIV)
The word pure could also be translated all or all kinds or every kind. You could say, "Consider it every kind of joy possible when you are facing trials."

There are some who believe that a Christian's joy isn't real joy. They believe that real joy and happiness comes from that self-indulgent lifestyle. They believe that the world offers real joy, and what these Christians are experiencing when they have joy is some kind of weak alternative. This is exactly the opposite of the truth. The joy that Christ offers is the real stuff.

Notice also two additional things.

First, notice that this multi-faceted joy is not dependent on what is happening. This joy takes place in the middle of trials, in fact, in the middle of various kinds of trials. The world can't offer this. Reality shows us over and over that the world falls short in offering any lasting joy or happiness. Things seem good for awhile, but it never lasts.

Secondly, notice that it is commanded. In fact, the word consider is just as often translated as ruler, chief, governor, lead, or have rule over. It is almost as if James is telling us to have rule over our own minds. In other words, we are to command our own joy, and to do it in such a way that we will even demand it in the midst of trials.

Instead of being like a wave on the sand today, command your joy.

In the next few verses in this chapter of the book of James, we will see some reasons why and how we can do this, but for today, take charge.

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Comments

  1. BLONDIE8/16/2007 11:06 AM

    THIS IS VERY INTERESTING AND VERY TRUE. IT IS HARD TO HAVE JOY IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS SOMETIMES, BUT IT IS OUR CHOICE....THAT IS WHERE OUR FAITH COMES IN...OUR PASTOR SAYS FAITH IN A FACT BRINGS A FEELING. THE FACT IS GOD IS WITH US AND LOVES US AND IS TAKING CARE OF US WHETHER WE FEEL IT OR NOT AND IF WE HOLD ON TO IT THEN AFTER THE STORM WE WILL HAVE PEACE, AND IN OUR STRUGGLES IS WHERE GOD SHARPENS US AND TEACHES US AND MAKES US STRONGER.
    AND LIKE THE WORD SAYS IF WE LIVE BY THE SPIRIT WE WILL NOT GRATIFY THE DESIRES OF OUR SINFUL NATURE, YEAH WE WILL SIN BECAUSE WE ARE NOT PERFECT BUT WE CAN CHOOSE TO IGNORE THE PROMPTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
    I'VE REALLY ENJOYED READING THIS, IT IS VERY INSIGHTFUL

    ReplyDelete
  2. Matt Harmless8/16/2007 12:03 PM

    I have to agree with you, and the key word here is "choice." So many people look past that word too often.

    Thank you for your comment!

    ReplyDelete

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