Read: James 1:2

James begins his letter by reminding his friends what they all know and experience to be true: life is hard. Peter says in life, we would experience grief in all kinds of trials (1 Peter 1:6-7). Paul says there is glory in suffering (Romans 5:2-5).

Life had been hard before they followed Jesus, and life didn't get easier after they followed Jesus. Maybe some of them are starting to wonder what difference does following Jesus make if he does not make our life easier?

As you read this, you may be in hard times, or see it coming, or have just come of out hard times by the skin of your teeth. And maybe you have asked at one time or anothe asked the same question.

James tells us. Because of Jesus, they are now able to respond to hard times with JOY.

Can this be true? Is James simple, drunk, in denial, or does God actually provide us with resources to go THROUGH troubles instead of around them - resources that empower us to respond with energy that fuels hope rather than depletes it?

First, it needs to be said that joy is not happy. It would be idiotic to tell someone in pain to smile and look on the bright side of life. Joy runs deeper than having a laugh and being merry. Joy is the confidence of the ancient tree with deep roots standing immovable while a storm rages around it.

Joy is the deep sense that all is well despite impossible circumstances. It is only possible because God's Spirit is present with us in our hard times. It is only possible because he supplies us with resources and hope beyond what we can muster on our own. And it is only possible because God promises life that even physical death cannot take away.

James is not a theorist. He is not writing this as he revels in the lap of luxury and carefree living. He is not asking us to do something he is not doing himself. He, like Paul and Peter, are no strangers to hard times. They tell us what they have experienced to be possible themselves - that reliance on God through Jesus and his Spirit does make a substantial difference in our struggles. That God does show up. That God does use our pain to grow and mature us in our relationship with him. And hard times, instead of ruining us, cultivate a faith which is grounded in the realities of life.

Write
Think about your faith story: what challenges have you had to endure in your life? How have you responded to them? How have they hurt you? How have they grown you?

How familiar are you with "joy"? When have you experienced it? What experiences of God's presence and promises allow you to respond with joy when you are in hard times?

Who do you know is currently in hard times, and needs to be reminded of God's presence and promises? What support do they need in order to respond with joy?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about how it feels to remember your experiences of hard times. Tell God how you feel about the way he has been present or absent in your struggles.

Talk to God about what you need from him if you are to respond with hope in hard times. How do you need to experience his presence or learn about the hope he provides? What are you prepare to do differently to make space for him to show up and make his presence felt?

Ask God for the wisdom to know how to care for your friend in hard times. How can you bring God's presence, love and hope into their life?

Pray for a fresh experience of God's love, grace and mercy as you encounter all kinds of trials, and as you respond with joy that you never thought possible.