How can I possibly find joy in this trial?
Facing a crisis. When I’m in the middle of a crisis, it seems impossible to find joy in the situation.
And when I’m in crisis mode, I usually resist anyone who tries to tell me to look on the bright side of my situation or who appears to judge me.
Observing the wounded. Have you ever tried to help a wounded dog? It will nip at anyone who comes close. And if it’s hungry, you’d better stay away from his food.
And who in their right mind, would attempt to stop a dogfight? Both dogs will both turn from their fight and attack you.
That’s what my emotions tell me to do in a crisis–defend myself. But I can’t count the times that I’ve regretted my emotional reactions.
Considering joy. Is it really possible to find joy in a trial? A few scriptures come to mind.
“Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible’” (Matt. 19:26 NLT)
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:9-10 NLT)
Defining joy. Joy is the last thing I expect to find in a trial. And when I look at the word “joy” in my dictionary/thesaurus, the word “trial” is listed as an antonym.
But isn’t that just like God, to point out our impossibilities. Then, show us His possibilities? In fact, I rarely can trust my logic or emotions for spiritual truth.
Studying the book of James. This week I began a Bible study at church, using Beth Moore’s study of James. But before I began the Bible study, I read the book of James again.
And my first thoughts focused on James 1:2 and the possibility of joy.
Photo/KarenJordan
Have you ever considered finding joy in the middle of a crisis?
