It’s My Choice to Rejoice in Trouble

In review of James 1:2 it tells me, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (NLT)

James doesn't say if, but when troubles come my way. It is possible to profit from them. The point is to not pretend to be happy but to have a positive outlook because of what they will produce in my life. Turn them into times of learning. The tough times can teach me endurance. The depth of my character will show in how I react under pressure. 

It is easy to be kind when everything is going well, but can I still be kind when I"m being treated unfairly? God wants to make me mature, not to keep me from all pain. So instead of complaining, I should see them as opportunities for growth. Thank God for being with me in the rough times. Ask him to help me solve my problems or to give me the strength to endure them. Then be patient. God will not leave me alone with my problems, he will stay close and help me grow.

No matter what challenges and difficulties I face, I can trust God to see me through. That’s why the Bible says you can rejoice when you face trouble: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2 NLT).

It’s easy to misunderstand this verse. God’s not saying be a martyr. He’s not saying deny reality. He's not saying fake it ‘til you make it.

We don't rejoice for the trouble. But I can still rejoice during the trouble because of what I know is true.

And what is true? I know that God sees and cares about everything I’m going through. I can know that I’m never alone, that God is always with me. I know that he will give me strength if I trust him.

One of the greatest comforts when I’m going through troubles is God’s promise in Romans 8:28: "We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him . . . " (NCV).

God has promised to bring good out of bad for me, in everything. That includes the pandemic! That's not a promise for everybody. It's a promise for believers, those who love him and are committed to living according to his purpose.

When I’m in a tough time, joy is a choice because I can rely on the goodness of God. Joy is not based on circumstances, and that’s why it's my choice to rejoice no matter what the situation.

Joy is not based on circumstances, and that’s why I am able to make a choice to rejoice no matter what my situation is.

Joy is based on what I know is true, and it’s based on my faith that God will fulfill his promise to work things out for good, according to his purpose.

In Psalm 34:1, King David said, "I will praise the LORD at all times; his praise is always on my lips" (NCV). Even now, I should thank God. Praise God. Rejoice in God—not just in good times. At all times.

In summary, when troubles come my way, I can consider it an opportunity for great joy. For It is possible to profit from them. The point is to not pretend to be happy but to have a positive outlook because of what they will produce. Turn them into times of learning and endurance. The depth of my character will show in how I react under pressure. Can I still be kind when I"m being treated unfairly? God wants to make me mature, not to keep me from all pain. So I should see them as opportunities for growth. Thank God for being with me in the rough times and asking him to help me solve my problems or to give me the strength to endure them. Then be patient. He will stay close and help me grow. God’s not saying be a martyr. He’s not saying deny reality. He's not saying fake it ‘til you make it. I don't rejoice for the trouble. But rejoice during the trouble because of what I know is true. I know that God sees and cares about everything I’m going through. I can know that I’m never alone, that God is always with me. God has promised to bring good out of bad. It's a promise for believers, those who love him and are committed to living according to his purpose. When I’m in a tough time, joy is a choice because I can rely on the goodness of God. Joy is not based on circumstances, and that’s why it's my choice to rejoice no matter what the situation. Joy is not based on circumstances, rather it's based on what I know is true, and it’s based on my faith that God will fulfill his promise to work things out for good, according to his purpose.

Father in reviewing your word and this devotional, I’m encouraged to keep the course I’ve chosen to not pretend to be happy, but rather look to what this will produce in me. I will continue to do my best regardless for you and for others around me. I will choose joy for what will come out of this in the future. I ask you today for continued wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. Through the help of the Holy Spirit may my words and actions be full of grace and helpfulness. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, Amen.