Count it all Joy
“My Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have it’s perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of Go, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” - James 1:2-5
“Count it all joy.” That’s one of those verses that looks beautiful on a coffee mug but feels impossible in real life. Joy in job loss? Joy in illness? Joy when a relationship is falling apart? It’s hard to imagine - but James isn’t calling us to feel happy about hardship. He’s calling us to choose joy by looking at trails through the eyes of faith.
This passage doesn’t deny the pain of trails - it reframes them. Trails test our faith, and through that testing, God is producing something valuable: steadfastness… longsuffering… patience… The kind of endurance that stays standing when everything else is shaking.
In Romans 5:3-5, Paul tells us, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
When we embrace that process instead of fighting it, James says we grow in maturity - “Perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (Vs. 4)
So, how do we actually do that?
We start by reframing our trails. Verse 3 begins with the word, “knowing,” so it starts in our mind. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening?” we ask, “Lord, what are You doing in me through this?” That mindset shift is what James means by “count it all joy.” It’s an intentional decision to evaluate our circumstances through what we know - not what we feel.
So, what do we know? God is working in every trial to make us more like Jesus.
Prayer is key. In prayer, we enter the throne room of God. So, what we pray matters. We don’t pray for escape. We pray for wisdom. James 1:5 invites us to ask God for insight in the middle of trails. He’s not silent in our suffering. He’s generous with wisdom when we seek Him with open hands and open hearts.
Habakkuk prayed this way. In chapters 1-3, the prophet sees chaos, injustice, and judgement coming, and instead of praying, “Lord, take it away,” he essentially prays, “Lord, help me understand what You’re doing - and help me trust in You in this.” His final prayer in Habakkuk 3 is a beautiful example of faith-filled endurance, not escape:
“Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Through the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flocks may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls - Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.” - Habakkuk 3:17-18
Endurance is a practice. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen in a microwave - you don’t turn the dial to 2-mins and wait for the ding. It’s more like smoking a brisket. Low and slow for hours and hours. Trails come, but they don’t have to defeat us. With God’s wisdom, patient faith, and a heart that trusts His plan, we can walk through the fire and not come out burned or bitter - but perfectly tender and seasoned by grace.
Think about this:
What current trial in my life is God using to grow endurance in me - and am I resisting it or receiving it with joy?
Heavenly Father, give me eyes to see my trails the way You do. Help me count it all joy - not because the pain is easy, but because You are at work in it. Produce endurance in me, and make me more like Jesus. When I don’t understand, give me wisdom. When I’m weary, strengthen me. And above all, help me trust that Your are good, even in the middle of the storm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
