February 21, 2002
Pure Joy
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But 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. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:1-8 (NIV)
Are we a part of the twelve tribes scattered among the nations? I have no proof, but I would say we must be, since we are a part of the inheritance of Jesus. That aside, I keep looking at the words, pure joy. Trials are to be considered as pure joy? You have to be kidding, James. But what does it mean pure joy? Pure joy is the joy, the peace, the confidence that you find in Jesus and in Jesus alone. Testing is what makes us strong. Take a tree that has been sheltered all its life in the forest, if you cut down the trees that have grown around it and leave it alone, it is very likely to fall when the winds blow strong, because it has not taken root deeply. We are like that tree. If we do not feel those winds, the storms of life, and the hard times, then our roots do not grow deep and when trouble comes, we fall. So, when we go through hard times, we know we are his sons and daughters. We know this because this testing is what makes us grow. I long to be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. Therefore, I must learn to take joy in the trials, for those trials are what make me mature and complete.
Now, from this context, what is it that we lack in trials? It seems to be wisdom. Why else would you need to ask for wisdom when going through trials? Now, this wisdom is many fold. It includes knowing how to use scripture to our benefit against the enemy, for the glory of the Lord. It also includes knowing what trials are to be allowed to continue and what should be ended by our strength and our might in Jesus. Wisdom is greatly needed by all. However, God does give that wisdom if we ask. WE must ask for wisdom without doubting the answer and the wisdom given. Have you ever gone through a trial and had a word from God about that trial, then returned to doubting what you heard? That is being a double-minded man. We must not be shaken. No matter how hard the rains fall, the winds blow or how quickly the troubles come one on another, we must remain steadfast on the word of God. He is NOT a liar. He will not leave you nor forsake you in times of trouble. He is with you, just as he was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fire.
It is hard to not doubt when in the midst of trials. It is not easy to stay grounded in the word of Jesus. That is a part of maturing in Jesus. AS you grow and mature, and as you have faced more trials in your life, you can begin to know the faithfulness of the Lord. His faithfulness is our joy! This joy has nothing to do with us, but everything to do with him. When you know he is faithful, you can be joyful, even in times that are very difficult and hard. It is this faithfulness that can teach you to not be double-minded, for each of us, left to our own, is double-minded. Today, decide to hear what he says in your trials and know that he has answered you. Today, do what he has said and rest in him. Begin to experience that joy.
Father, in Jesus name there are trials of many kinds facing each of us this day. Lord, it is your faithfulness that we need. Father, I am not faithful, and I ask your forgiveness that I am not faithful to you as I should be. Lord, keep me from being double minded. IN Jesus name, keep me planted firmly in you and in your will and your way in my life. I lift those in trials to you, right now, Lord. In Jesus name you show them your faithfulness when the fire rages all around. Lord, show them that they will come through the fire with not a hair on their head harmed. Father, when we know what you would have us to do, let us do it with haste and not be shaken. In Jesus name, amen.
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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