Count It All Joy
James 1:2-4
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various
trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect
and complete, lacking nothing.
“Count it all joy" is found in James 1:2. This verse encourages
believers to find spiritual joy during difficult trials and
tribulations in life.
Even in hardships, there is pure joy in Christ because the
testing of our faith builds endurance.
This endurance will help us in our spiritual growth. It will lead to
spiritual maturity and strength in Christ.
This is not faking happiness. We do not need to feel compelled to
fake a smile through pain or pretend that sorrow does not hurt.
But we endure and persevere through tough times, having our faith
and trust anchored firmly in God. When we do so, our weaknesses
allow His strength to work inside us as we draw closer to Him, and
know Him more.
Our joy comes from trusting God's plans and purposes rather than
pretending to enjoy the pains and trials.
Whether we like it or not, we will face many kinds of troubles in
life. But when these things happen, we do not need to be in despair.
The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Like children going to schools for education, we will have tests
and examinations at every level. But these are necessary for our
growth and maturity. We can either detest the tests or face them
bravely. And there is great joy when we pass the tests.
We know that these things are testing our faith. And this will help
us to be patient. And patience will show itself perfectly in
what we do. Then we will be perfect and complete. We will have
everything we need.
Jesus was tempted and tested thrice in the wilderness by the
devil. And He overcame those three temptations victoriously. But the
ultimate and final test was the death on the cross, paying for the
sins of all mankind. And He did the will of the Father. How did He
do so?
Hebrews 12:2
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who
for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the
throne of God.
Let us look to Jesus. He is the One who began our faith, and He
makes our faith perfect. He suffered death on the cross.
He accepted
the shame of the cross as if it were nothing. He did this because of
the joy that God put before Him. And now He is sitting at the right
side of God’s throne.
Our Lord endured the cross. It was not an enjoyable experience.
But for the joy that was set before Him, He did it!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will
of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Thus, we can count it all joy as we can find His comfort,
strength and grace during trials and tribulations. And we have many
reasons to be thankful and joyful during tough times.
If interested, please listen to this song
Count Your Blessings.
Written on 24 August 2026