“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
James 1:2-3
The refiner’s fire is blistering hot. The past year has left many of us feeling the blazing heat of our trials: coronavirus ravaging the world, rioting in city streets, tensions rising as we enter a new presidential term, horrific storms and wildfires leaving devastation in their wake. We have had to consider: Will we let these circumstances overwhelm us and make us angry and bitter? Or will we see that our trials are pushing us closer to our Lord?
The answer to those questions comes to us in Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” When we seek to do this, we’ll see hope, peace, and joy rise from the ashes. Jesus told us that we would have trouble, but we were not to fear because He had overcome the world (see John 16:33). You and I may have found out quickly how easily the world can topple into chaos. But we’ve also seen how strong our anchor holds in Him.
Being able to experience joy even when we are walking through the unrelenting fires of tribulation is a gift that cannot be duplicated by any other source.
The answer to those questions comes to us in Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” When we seek to do this, we’ll see hope, peace, and joy rise from the ashes. Jesus told us that we would have trouble, but we were not to fear because He had overcome the world (see John 16:33). You and I may have found out quickly how easily the world can topple into chaos. But we’ve also seen how strong our anchor holds in Him.
Being able to experience joy even when we are walking through the unrelenting fires of tribulation is a gift that cannot be duplicated by any other source.
Scripture Focus
James 1:2-12
Insight
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Bible In A Year
- Judges 3-4
- Psalm 110
- Romans 13-14
