This week our focus has been on this well-known passage from James:

Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2–4

As we find ourselves in trying times, it is encouraging to hear these verses, which speak of how we can find joy in the midst of it all. Often people imagine that joy comes from having fun experiences and having everything go well. Joy comes from a great vacation (can’t do that these days!). Joy comes from a big gathering with family and friends (can’t do that either!). Joy comes from festive events (all cancelled!) and going to big games (no fans allowed!) or even going on a fun shopping outing (if the store is open, wear a mask!). How exactly do we find joy in times such as now? For James, real joy arises not from outward experiences but our inner connection with God, and our growth in God’s Spirit. When we grow in grace and virtue and service for God, we find a deep joy and a spiritual completeness that far outweighs any outward lack. This is why James can speak of how you can be “lacking in nothing.” It is the very nature of times of trial that we are lacking in something! Right now we are lacking many of the good things that we so often took for granted. But James is speaking of finding spiritual wholeness. During the present trials, may we follow James’ lead and experience the real and lasting joy of growing together in Christ.

Prayer – Lead us, O Lord, to meet these days as an opportunity to grow in faith and discipleship. Click To Tweet

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About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.