James 1:2 says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds”. This verse encourages us to respond with joy even in the midst of difficult circumstances. But what does it really mean to “count it all joy” and why does James tell us to do this?
The Context of James 1:2
To properly understand this verse, we first need to look at the context. James 1:2-4 says:
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 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.
James is writing to persecuted Christians who are facing various trials. These trials are testing their faith. James encourages them to consider it joy when they encounter difficulties, because he knows that God will use these trials to strengthen their faith and develop godly virtues in them.
What Does “Count It All Joy” Mean?
“Count it all joy” means to consider it nothing but joy when we face troubles. James is not telling us to pretend to be happy or fake joy when facing pain. His point is that we can genuinely rejoice and have joy even in the midst of adversity if we have an eternal perspective.
The word “count” means to evaluate or assess something. Based on his eternal perspective, James makes a conscious evaluation that the trials Christians encounter are “all joy”. The trials are not joyful in and of themselves, but because of their purpose, they can be counted as joy.
It’s a Choice, Not a Feeling
Joy is not just a feeling – it can be a choice to rejoice in light of what we know to be true about God and His plans for us. That’s why James says we are to “count” or evaluate it as joy. He does not say “feel it as joy” because he knows that trials do not always produce happy emotions.
We have to make a determined choice to consider it joy based on the spiritual realities we know, not just how we feel. It is an act of the will, not just an emotion.
It’s Looking at the Purpose, Not Just the Pain
We can count it joy because we know trials test and refine our faith, developing perseverance and Christlike character in us (James 1:3-4). The trials themselves bring pain, but the purpose brings joy. We focus on the greater purpose God has in the pain.
Paul echoed this when he said “We rejoice in our sufferings…” (Rom. 5:3). He could rejoice not because sufferings themselves were pleasant, but because he knew of the character they produced in him.
How Do We Count Trials As Joy?
How can we cultivate joy in the midst of difficulties? Here are some practical ways to apply “count it all joy”:
1. Remember the Lord is sovereign
God is in control over every trial we face, and He promises to use them for our sanctification (Rom. 8:28-29). We can rejoice knowing He is sovereign over our pain and will use it ultimately for our good.
2. Recognize trials make us more like Christ
We can rejoice knowing that trials produce Christlike maturity in us (James 1:3-4). Though painful, they refine our faith and make us more like Jesus. This shapes us for greater kingdom impact.
3. Renew your mind with Scripture
We must fill our minds with truths from God’s word to have a joyful perspective amidst trials. Meditating on verses about God’s sovereignty, His purpose in trials, and the hope of eternity will sustain joy (Rom. 15:13).
4. Look forward to the eternal reward
The trials we endure pale in comparison to the eternal glory and reward waiting for us (Rom. 8:18, 2 Cor. 4:17). This heavenly perspective helps us press on with joy.
5. Pray for supernatural joy
We can ask God to fill us with supernatural joy in the middle of our pain. The Holy Spirit can infuse our hearts with joy beyond our circumstances as we seek God in prayer (Rom. 15:13).
Why Does James Tell Us to Count Trials As Joy?
James’ instruction to count trials as joy is counterintuitive. Why does he command this?
1. It produces spiritual growth
Considering our difficulties as joy reminds us that God uses trials for our maturity. This helps us cooperate with God in the process so that His full sanctifying purpose is accomplished.
2. It defies the enemy
The devil wants trials to make us doubt God and His goodness. But rejoicing in trials defies the enemy’s purposes and affirms our trust in God’s sovereignty.
3. It strengthens our faith and hope
Choosing joy in trials proves the genuineness of our faith and gives evidence of our hope in Christ. As we joyfully endure, our faith and hope grow stronger.
4. It witnesses to others
When believers respond to trials with supernatural joy, it causes the world to take notice. Our joy testifies to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
Examples of Joy in Suffering
While rejoicing in trials is difficult, many godly men and women have set an example for us:
Paul and Silas in Prison
After being imprisoned and flogged for preaching the gospel, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God at midnight (Acts 16:23-25). Their joy was a powerful witness, resulting in the conversion of the jailer.
Job
After losing everything, Job responded, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21). He could worship God despite immense grief.
The Church Persecuted
The early church often faced persecution but were full of joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52). Nothing could steal their joy in Christ.
Cautions About Counting Trials As Joy
There are a few cautions to note about this biblical command:
1. Don’t diminish suffering
We should not pretend that trials are not painful or try to diminish the reality of suffering. This verse is not telling us to ignore agony, but to rejoice in it.
2. Don’t feel guilty for struggling
We may still struggle to feel joyful during trials. But we shouldn’t feel guilty when joy does not come easily amidst pain. God understands we are still striving to align our feelings with truth.
3. Don’t be passive
This command should not lead us into passivity about suffering. We can still take steps to alleviate problems while also rejoicing in God’s purposes.
Difficulties in Counting Trials as Joy
Why do we struggle to consider trials as joyful?
1. Our flawed perspective
Our earthly perspective makes it hard to see how God is using pain for good. We naturally focus on escape rather than spiritual growth.
2. Emotional toll
Trials can be emotionally draining, making joy feel impossible. The pain fights against our desire to rejoice in suffering.
3. Misplaced expectations
We often expect the Christian life to be comfortable and trial-free. When suffering comes, we feel God has not met our expectations.
4. Spiritual immaturity
Young or immature believers may lack knowledge of God’s purposes in trials. They struggle to see how suffering produces Christlike maturity.
In Summary
Counting trials as joy is a mark of Christian maturity made possible by an eternal perspective. Though counterintuitive, we can choose joy and rejoice in difficulties when we understand God’s sovereign purposes. As we meditate on scriptural truths and examples of saints who endured joyfully, we grow in our ability to consider it nothing but joy when trials come.