Joyfulness is not an emotion. It's a state of mind where we choose to be happy and steadfast no matter what we face, because we have a loving God who backs us up, who cares for us, and will neither leave us nor forsake us. But honestly speaking, who has ever lived life in all its challenges with a big smile all the time?
Some of us might not agree that we can be joyful at all times, but the Bible commands us to be. James 1:2-3 tells us, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
That might sound crazy to you, but the thing is that we should see trials and tests as ways to build our faith up!
James continues, "And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
When we face all trials with the right approach, we will achieve the purpose for what they are meant for. And no, they aren't meant to destroy us but to build us up instead.
Do you want to be able to "count it all joy" when trials come your way? Here are some things you can do to be joyful.
1. See the purpose of your tests
In the same ways that exams are given to evaluate a student's learning progress, tests come in our lives to show us how we are faring in the faith. James says that the "testing of your faith produces steadfastness," and that is so true.
Ask any bodybuilder or exercise buff regarding fitness, and they'll tell you "no pain, no gain," emphasising that the heavier the weight that is lifted, or the more strenuous the running exercise that is done right, the more it affects the physique! Get excited to face faith-building tests!
2. Realise that through tests, you can see more of God's faithfulness
Israel saw God's mighty power when He delivered them from Egypt. Elijah called fire from heaven when he was faced with more than 400 false prophets in the showdown in Mount Carmel.
Paul shares in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "Each time [God] said [to me when I prayed about my weakness], "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."
Through our hardships, God will be made known! Rejoice!
3. Remember that God will neither leave you nor forsake you
Hebrews 13:5 reminds us of God's promise, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you."
Because of this, we should be confident that no matter what we face, He will always be there for us.
2 Timothy 2:13 also reminds us that God will never deny Himself – He will always be faithful: "If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is."
God will be faithful!
