Count It All Joy (Part 1) By Babatunde Olugboji
Finding Joy in the Midst of Life’s Trials
This week, we’ll begin a series that is essentially about joy in the midst of tribulations, which sounds oxymoronic. How can joy and tribulations appear in the same sentence? But that was the remarkable instruction the apostle James gave believers in James 1:2: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (ESV). This is the very first command in his epistle, and it challenges one of our most natural human responses to hardship.
James continues in verses 3–4: “For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
At first glance, this instruction seems absolutely contradictory. How can we rejoice when we are experiencing pain, disappointment, hardship, or uncertainty? How can trials, which often bring sorrow and frustration, become occasions for joy?
The answer lies in understanding what James means by counting it all joy and recognizing God’s purpose in the difficulties we encounter.
1. Counting It All Joy is a Decision, Not a Feeling
The word “count” in James 1:2 means to consider, evaluate, or regard something in a particular way. It suggested a deliberate or intentional judgment rather than an automatic emotional response. James was therefore calling believers to change how they evaluate their circumstances. Instead of viewing trials exclusively through the lens of pain, disappointment, or loss, we are encouraged to consider them from God’s perspective.
To count it all joy is not to deny the reality of suffering. It is to recognize that God’s purpose can be greater than our present pain.
James did not suggest that Christians should enjoy suffering, seek hardship, or pretend that painful experiences are pleasant. Trials can truly be devastating. They may involve financial difficulties, sickness, broken relationships, persecution, disappointment, or the loss of something precious.
But while we may not rejoice because of the suffering itself, we can rejoice in the knowledge that God remains present, faithful, and capable of bringing good out of our circumstances.
This is the difference between happiness and biblical joy. Happiness, from the word happenstance, often depends on favorable circumstances. Biblical joy is rooted in our relationship with God and our confidence in his character and promises. And notice, joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
Jesus Himself warned his disciples in John 16:33: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (ESV). Notice that Jesus did not promise a life without trouble. Instead, he gave his followers a reason to remain courageous in the midst of it.
Christian joy is not the absence of trouble; it is the assurance of God’s presence and faithfulness in the midst of trouble. In a situation of trouble, when the storm is at its most turbulent, the question is not whether there is no storm because there is, the question is, is Jesus in the boat with me. If Jesus is with you when all hell appears to be breaking loose, then he can use your pain for his purpose.
To be continued
Have a good week
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