Get Real November 23 Devotional
November 23, 2024
JAMES 1:2b | 2b Whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy.
MATTHEW 5:4 | 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Who rejoices under trial? Who celebrates challenges and suffering and struggle and difficulty? Is this masochism James is teaching?
This verse has been subject to much misunderstanding and misapplication. James is not suggesting that unalloyed happiness is a natural Christian response to temptation and trial. This would add the burden of false joy to the situation of the struggler and it would make nonsense of the Bible’s teaching about mourning and emotional honesty.
James is instead suggesting that there is a deeper solace in difficulty, which comes when we know that God is present and effective in our struggles as well as our triumphs. Luther said, “God works with His right hand in revelation and providence, blessing, guiding, and saving. He also works with His “left hand” in judgement and difficulty”. We have to consider this reality in our trials because knowing God can use them for a greater purpose is a redeeming and joyous truth.
Does this distinction make sense to you?
Pray for someone you know going through a trial.
