Count it all Joy

Consider your trials….count it all…what? James 1:2 “Count it all joy, when you meet trials of various kinds”. We can’t imagine that we can have troubles and be joyful at the same time. James says that we can.

Let’s talk about joy. Joy is different from what we call happiness according to scripture Count it all joy isn’t saying, be happy about your trials. Happiness is a feeling that happens in your life. Happiness is a by-product when a lot of things turn out right. Joy according to scripture is supernatural and it isn’t based on circumstances. People try to find joy in things other than God such as people, philosophies, causes, possessions, and power to name a few. Your choice to be joyful depends on your view of God and your relationship with Him. Joy is a fruit of the spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Jesus is the source of our joy and our capacity to live to the fullest even in the middle of hardship is always connected to the vitality of our relationship with Jesus. Rick Warren adds his own definition: “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”

I would be curious how you would describe joy?