If I asked everyone who reads this if they felt joyful, only a few would reply, “Yes.” But if I asked everyone if they are facing a trial, the majority would respond, “Yes!” Why do we think those are separate? Why do we assume that hardship and trial look like and lead to depression, defeat, and hopelessness?

Last summer, when I was writing and researching my new Bible study, I was led to James 1:2, which says, “count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” (NKJV). When I got home later, I told my husband that we should be the most joyful people, because we were enduring LOTS of trials. He didn’t seem to appreciate my comment. To be honest, neither did I. But it’s not the trial that produces joy. If it were, then those with Christ and without Him would always be joyful.

According to Romans 5:3-5, suffering through trials and hardship produces perseverance. Perseverance produces character. Character produces hope. It’s the hope that causes us to be joyful, not the trial. Trials are painful! But hope produces joy in us!

Question 1: Do you have God’s Holy Spirit in you?

• If you said, “Yes,” then you have a reason to be joyful!

Question 2: Are you facing any trials today?

• If you said, “Yes,” then you have a reason to be joyful!

Remember, it’s ok to be honest about this trial being hard! It’s ok to cry – God gave us tears to help express and release our emotions. Crying, tears, and sadness don’t mean that you don’t have joy.

Followers of Christ have been given the Holy Spirit. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Therefore, as a believer, you have joy, regardless of your circumstances.

Last question: Do you have joy today?

You will go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace… ~ Isaiah 55:12 NIV