Having Joy in the midst of trials

Having joy in the midst of trials

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials*, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

But let patience have its perfect work, *that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James‬ ‭1:2-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The apostle James' words in James 1:2 prove it is possible to have joy in the midst of trials.

Joy is listed among the qualities described as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22

Apostle Paul suffered numerous trials in 2 Corinthians 11:22–29, such as

🩸hard labour

🩸Imprisonments

🩸Shipwrecks

🩸Bearings and stoning

🩸Hunger and thirst, and so on

When he wrote to the Philippians he was a prisoner* (Philippians 1:14), but _his letter reveals his abundant joy, and he urged his readers to rejoice.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Jesus told His followers that they would encounter tribulation in the world.

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”

‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Jesus promised His followers fullness of joy if they would keep His commandments.

“If you keep My commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy may be made full and complete and overflowing.”

‭‭John‬ ‭15:10-11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Prophet Nehemiah is encouraging us not grieve.

“And do not be worried, for *the joy of the LORD is your strength and your stronghold.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭8:10‬b AMP‬‬

Have a blessed week. *Join me this evening on Facebook Livestream from 6-7 pm*