March 18. James 1. Tom Benton

Pure Joy

When I think about what brings me joy, I recall memories of coming out of the waters of baptism, my wedding day, and holding each of my children and grandchildren in my arms on the day they were born. I see images of gathering together at church and singing joyful songs, praying with my brothers and sisters, and the joy of a growing and evolving relationship with God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

What about finding joy in my trials and temptations? How would they bring me joy?

The book of James starts with the author telling his brothers and sisters to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds" (James 1:2). These disciples were from the twelve tribes "scattered among the nations"; which could include the Jewish Christians dispersed from Jerusalem during the persecution we read about in Acts 8. They faced persecution and death threats from religious leaders and the hardship of leaving their homes to find a safe place to live and worship away from the danger. Many of them found themselves living among the Gentiles with culture and customs very different than their own. Yet James tells them to consider it all as "pure joy".

During the past year, we've faced "trials of many kinds", including the pandemic, racial injustice issues, political protests along with personal loss, financial stress, postponed weddings, and fewer opportunities to gather with friends, family, and the church. Like the early disciples, we continue to face challenges and trials from the conditions and culture of the world around us. How are we to find joy when there are so many challenges and trials in our lives?

James tells us that this "pure joy" comes from knowing that the trials that test our faith will produce perseverance. We need perseverance along with resilience to face the challenges of this world. James also tells us that perseverance is working to make us mature ("teleios") and complete so that we are "not lacking anything" (James 1:4).

This gives me a new perspective on having joy in my life. While hardship and trials may not seem joyful, God is working in them to mature me. I can take joy that God is giving me all that I need. Praise God for the pure joy of trials and temptations!