JOY: Joy In The Middle Of Trials

SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY: James 1:1-7

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

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

NEXT WEEK:

“Finding Joy In Your Insecurities”

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

Read verse 1-2:

Q: How does James’ call to “consider it (suffering) pure joy” make you feel? When you’re going through a difficult season, what’s your typical attitude or mindset?

Read verse 3:

Q: James explains it’s “the testing of your faith” that builds up perseverance. Can you pinpoint a time in your life when suffering developed you into a stronger person? How are you different today because of it?

Read verse 4:

Q: More than just making you a stronger person, James explains that preserving through difficult seasons – over the course of your life – will lead to spiritual maturity. How does it make you feel to know your suffering has eternal value? How does it make you look differently at suffering?

Consider Francis’ statement from the teaching:

“Joy isn’t something we just lose; it’s something we choose to give away. Joy isn’t something that just happens to us; it’s something we fight for. It’s a decision.”

Are there areas of your life where you have made the decision to give away the gift of joy? Are you focusing on the bad instead of celebrating the good? How can you begin to fight for joy in your life today?