Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:2-5
Scripture Notes
An interesting aspect to note about the Book of James is that he wrote to the Jews before the Gentiles began to integrate into the Church in significant numbers. We see this in the first verse where it states that this book was written to the twelve tribes, and in chapter 2:2, “For if there should come into your assembly a man.” The word “assembly” is another term for synagogue. James was a Hellenistic Jew and declared himself to be a bondservant to God and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a profound examination of himself, as well as a message to us.
Every person falls into various trials; it is inevitable. James, in his wisdom, says it is not ‘if’ we fall into various trials but ‘when.’ Trials occur when we go through testing, persecution, or difficulty that stretches our patience. When we face difficulties, should we focus on the negative or try to find a way to view it as an opportunity for growth? It sounds complicated, impossible even. Patience is an enduring virtue. Romans 12:12 tells us to, “Rejoice in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.”
When all is said and done, how are we to count it all as joy? Being grateful is not often the first thought that comes to mind when we are struggling or facing a difficult situation. However, we are called to be joyful when we can see more clearly, and the stress of our struggle has lessened. Even so, the strain of our hardship would appear differently if we were to ask God for wisdom first. God, in His essence, is all-knowing, and if He knows all things, why don’t we seek God for the wisdom that we lack? It says here in verse 5, “If you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Therefore, when we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives wisdom to us in abundance, not in judgment but with love and generosity.
There is much to be learned from not relying on our own understanding, as Proverbs 3:5-6 suggests. Wisdom comes when we realize that our heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9) and that we cannot depend on it for good judgment. Wisdom emerges when we adopt a humble countenance and seek God in all of His infinite wisdom to learn, grow, and endure trials with patience. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge and experience to make good decisions. If we understand that we cannot always rely on ourselves, we must turn to God in all of His infinite wisdom. This is when we can count trials as joy, trusting God before, during, and after tough situations.
By P.D. Deckard
MEMORY VERse
Raphael. Upraised Right Hand, with Palm Facing Outward: Study for Saint Peter, 1518–1520. The Art Institute of Chicago
Related Verses
More verses about trials and ordeals:
Prayer Invitation
Application Questions
- When you are heading into a what looks like a difficult trial, will you seek God first?
- Will you trust God for comfort in the trial?
- Regardless of good times or bad, how can you count it all joy?
Cover Image: Henri Fantin-Latour. Still Life with Fruit, c. 1880 – c. 1890. The Rijksmuseum
MANÁ 
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