Joy is Your Sword
James 1:2-4 (ESV) 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
When you meet trials of various kinds, how do you respond? When someone you love is sick, you are facing financial trouble, or a friend betrays you, how do you respond? Yahweh directs us to “count it all joy” when you face these difficult seasons or events. He wants you to recognize that each of these “trials” will serve a purpose if you approach them properly. But if you dread them or allow your spirit to become negatively impacted, it will produce impatience and desperation.
Too often, we see the word “joy” and view it as emotional happiness, but what Yahweh is directing us toward is not about our emotions but our spirit. Our spirit needs to trust and have hope in Yahweh, not in our circumstances. The circumstances we face will come and go, and our emotions will react to them, but we must walk by the spirit and not by how we “feel.” Feelings and emotions are like waves; they will rise and fall as the winds blow.
Joy in and by the Spirit brings the proper mindset to face whatever you are dealing with. It is a catalyst to trust and hope in Yahweh. So, as you start your day, what is your response to the test of your faith? Do your emotions get the best of you, or do you center your spirit with His Spirit and are ready for whatever comes? Joy is a choice, and its fruit enables the production of patience, perseverance, and steadfastness in your life. Embrace those trials, and allow your joy to be your sword.