We are now in the book of James. His greeting to the people is ‘Greetings’ and he then shares this verse with them…’Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds.’ That may not be first on your list of favorites but James sees things from a different point of view. We will see that in a number of memorable and unforgettable verses in this book. Just know that when we are at our limits, then we depend on the strength of God (which was there for us all along). Tap into His strength every single day… don’t wait for the trials to experience the joys of being in fellowship with God!
Please extend this verse to your family, friends, and co-workers for His kingdom. Ask if they have ever considered going through trials as ‘pure joy’. Ask if they depend on God more during such trials. Listen to how they respond. Share some of your own experiences with them. We can learn from other’s mistakes. We don’t need to make the ALL on our own…but know that God is with you through each of them. Regularly Take Time For God’s Word© day and night and and at 1:02am/ pm or as you face new trials. Then recall this verse and know that He is with you. We have had many verses that start with 1:02 so you may want to print this one and put it as a bookmark in your Bible or another book you may be reading. As you pickup that book and as you turn to the bookmark, you will be told (again) about the ‘pure joy’ that comes when we face many kinds of trials in our lives. Take a moment to pray about them. Turn them over to God and ask for His hand to guide you through them. His joy may be just moments away…wait upon the Lord!
Please continue to pray for all of the youth music programs and choirs in your churches or fellowship groups. Sometimes it is words to the songs that touch your soul and you can see the joy on their faces as they sing His praises with those songs. Other times, it is the music which soothes your spirit or picks you up. Oftentimes, it is both… words and music that just ring out with praise and thanksgiving for ALL that God is doing for us. Encourage our youth and their choir leaders. Let them know that you appreciate what they do AND that you are praying for them. Be blessed to be that blessing to them. Pass it on with pure joy through the trials of life knowing that He has great plans for your future!!
