February 11, 2025

As I was reading the opening lines of the book of James today, it struck me how we tend to approach trials in contrast with the attitude we ought to have as we walk through them. Instead of our typical reflex towards complaining and frustration, we are to “count it all joy when [we] meet trials of various kinds.” Not in the typical sense of resounding happiness, but instead a sense of satisfaction in the process of becoming "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4 ESV). Struggling is not typically enjoyable for the person experiencing it. However, the life lessons learned from successfully overcoming challenges with God’s help will sanctify and draw us closer to Him. And that is worth rejoicing in.