Count it all Joy

Discipleship Devotional, February 24th, 2025

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”
– James 1:2 (ESV)

As believers, when we fall into different trials and tribulations, the Bible says we should count it as joy. One of the reasons this is so is because we will receive an eternal reward for every test and trial that we endure in Christ Jesus. Another reason joy should be our perspective in such things is because the devil would like to bring depression and resentment into our hearts in the face of trial. Don’t forget what Job’s wife told him when calamity befell him. She said he should curse God and die. That was the voice of Satan.

We must be deliberate and remember to rejoice even when we are going through tough times. This is clearly the will of God for us in Christ. The apostles in the book of Acts suffered many persecutions and rejections, but they were often found rejoicing for being counted worthy to suffer for Christ. They had a different perspective from the natural man because they knew the hope that was set before them.

In this season, it is important to have the joy of God in your heart as an armor to shield off the arrows of depression, resentment, and frustration. We must never allow the tough seasons of life to change us. Rather, we are to rejoice regardless of situations because the joy of the Lord is strength for us.

Finally, I leave you with the admonition from the Apostle Paul:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

PRAYER:
Holy Spirit, help me to count it all joy when I go through tests and tribulations.