Pure Joy

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.                                 Jas. 1.2,3

Anything that is pure is unadulterated. It is whole and singular in its nature. In this present instance, James is positing a joy that is pristine. It is untouched by any trace of doubt or blemish. It is pure joy. Joy may be described as a state of jubilation, of great excitement and wonder.

This exalted state and reaction is how James encourages us to respond to trials. Indeed, he is mildly chiding us to respond in this incredibly positive way to the testings and afflictions that might beset. I say his chiding is mild; he calls us brothers, and it is in brotherly love that any rebuke is given.

But the message is clear. Do not be tempted to react in fear or disappointment or discouragement. Joy is to rise in every instance. You may be shunned or criticised – be joyful! You could be persecuted and maligned – respond in joy! It seems an almost impossible task.

James does not leave it there. He proceeds to tell us that testing of our faith will develop perseverance. There is enough ready evidence from the everyday acts of living to satisfy us that we need to persevere. As we respond appropriately to trials and testings, so we will develop perseverance; we will overcome; we will win through.

I could well find it difficult to respond in joy. I seek the aid of the Spirit.

Lord God,

I understand something of what James is presenting, but I doubt that my natural response would be one of joy. Help me, with Your Spirit’s input to face any trials in a manner pleasing to You.               Amen.

A Prayer

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.                Heb. 13.20, 21

I receive these words as a prayer, and one that I could pray repeatedly. God is indeed the God of peace, but He is also the God of power. The writer reminds us that the power of God brought the Lord Jesus back from the dead. The power of God took Christ to heaven where He now sits in glory on the right hand of the Father. This power affirms for me that God can do anything. Truly, nothing is impossible to Him.

And the prayer exhorts this powerful God to equip me with everything good to enable me to do His will. May He work in me all that is pleasing to Him and may He receive all the glory, through all time.

What more could I ask for? These words say it all.

Lord, Mighty God,

I acknowledge Your love, Your peace and Your power. I humbly ask that You equip me with everything I need to live out Your will in my life. Please work in me all that is pleasing to You. Join me to You such that what I think, say and do comes from You. May my very being be saturated in You. May I abide in You at all times.

I seek to delight You in the fullness of sweet relationship. Draw me in, and make me wholly Yours, in Jesus’ precious name I pray.                      Amen.

Don't forget

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.                                                                                                                      Heb. 13.16

I see three insights in this verse. The first is to do good and to share with others. This is fundamental to the Christian ethic. Of course I will endeavour to do good and to share whatever good I am able to with others. Isn’t this understood? Well, by me it is! But I wonder how long in reality it took me to get to this realisation. And how many who declare themselves to be Christians actually act out their commission?

The second insight is that God is pleased with such sacrifices. Again, this is something of a self-evident truth. But it is good to be reminded of this and also to be encouraged by it. I am exhorted to do what ought to be natural for the believer.

And that leads to the third insight, which I find a little puzzling. I am told not to forget to do good and to share with others. This intrigues me. Do I need to be reminded? Is it possible that I could forget what I see as so fundamental to the Christian witness? I pray that I will never forget this important aspect of the witness and outworking of my faith. And may I never, ever, need to be reminded of what I must do!

God loved me so much that He gave His very Self for me. Surely I can respond to His amazing sacrifice by doing and sharing whatever I can to spread His love, mercy and grace.

Sweet Lord,

I come again in thanksgiving for all You have done, and continue to do, for me. May I, in humble response, do good at every opportunity and share with others as You lead me. Amen.

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