Pure Joy

In my old NIV Study Bible there are 218 references to the word joy. The word is used throughout both Testaments. David talks about singing and shouting with joy throughout the Psalms, and the joy of being in God’s presence. Joy is listed in Gal 5:22 as one of the fruits of the Spirit. 218 times throughout the Bible! We are told about joy, great joy, and greater joy. In one verse, we are told about pure joy. What a verse that must be!

James writes in James 1:5 , “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”. What?! Pure joy, that’s what the Word says. How many of us pout or cry when we face trials, or pray that a burden is lifted immediately? Pure joy.

Why? The testing of our faith develops perseverance, which must be finished so we can be complete and mature. So it’s a matter of knowing that if we stay strong , we will be complete. Many Christians like microwave testing, a short blast. Others look for alternative routes. Still others give up after a while, not wanting to stick it out. It’s part of the plan God has to complete us.

I am no way trivializing the weight and devastation that some trials can have on people. Many are crushing in magnitude. I have has trials that I have felt anything but joy. But it’s relying on God and His grace for His strength and an eternal, not temporal, outlook.

Paul was an example for this kind of pure joy. Thrown in jail, what does he do? He sings. Back in jail, waiting for execution. What does he do? He sleeps. He wrote in Romans 5:3 ..”we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Remember, not matter what, God loves us unconditionally, and wants us to be mature in Him. He cares for what we go through. He is there to carry us when we need it, and to let us walk through fire when we need to.

Many trials? We’re being completed. Pure joy.