Happiness in Trials

Introduction to James: Practical Christian Living

The Book of James deals with practical Christian living. How do we live as Christians on a daily basis? How do we deal with problems that arise in life? This book provides a firm foundation for facing the issues we experience in the world, home, public, and private life—quarrels with friends, family, or others in the body of Christ.

James equips us on how to respond to life's challenges, especially in light of our relationship with God. How do we glorify God in all things? This is crucial for youth, addressing problems like being double-minded—living two lives: one for the world and one for church. This includes separate lives with secular friends, on social media, or online, where anonymity allows a non-Christian life.

James teaches how to live in any circumstance as a Christian.

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

— James 1:1-8 (ESV)

Don't Get Comfortable—Pursue Growth

The purpose of this introduction is: Don't get comfortable with where you are in life or maturity. Be joyful at being more equipped than you currently are. Where you are right now is insufficient. There's always progression toward a better, more sanctified spiritual life.

We are presently lacking in spiritual maturity, emotional maturity, and more. Don't be comfortable; exercise a conscious effort to enjoy difficult circumstances because of what they produce—growth toward being more like Christ.

James writes to Christians: Count it joy when you meet trials of various kinds. Be joyful at the potential for a more equipped, spiritually mature you—more like Christ than moments ago.

Respond to Trials with Joy

Consider trials joy, even in suffering, adversity, or pain. James writes to a dispersed congregation facing persecution—forced from homes, in danger, amid chaos from figures like pre-conversion Paul and Herod.

Yet he says: Be happy in these trials. The typical reactions—confusion, anger, hurt, frustration, or questioning God—are unhelpful. Trials test faith, producing steadfastness. The word for trial is also used for temptation; responding wrongly to either is sin.

Logically reason about trials: God has a loving purpose. Without the right attitude of joy, you miss the result. Many emerge from trials unchanged or worse because they lack joy. Don't go through trials with a bad attitude—consciously choose happiness.

This is counter-cultural. The world sees you as a victim needing coping strategies or medication. But Scripture says trials are sovereignly from God to equip you to be more like Christ—perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Be Real, But Choose Joy

Counting it joy doesn't mean denying hurt, pain, or sadness. Be real and honest. Band together with brothers and sisters; presence is powerful ministry. Often, just sitting with someone suffering speaks volumes—no words needed.

Consider trials joy knowing the outcome: a better you, more like Christ. Feelings come and go; base reality on truth, not emotions. Trials build endurance through practice—the more you respond correctly, the easier it becomes.

Trials are inevitable: "When you meet trials," not "if." As believers, expect them.

Ask God for Wisdom in Faith

In trials, if you lack wisdom—the ability to respond rightly—ask God. He gives generously to all without reproach. Wisdom is revolutionary: philosophers craved it; you have infinite access through Christ, who is your wisdom.

Ask daily. God lavishes it abundantly. But ask in faith, without doubting. Doubters receive nothing; they are like waves tossed by wind—double-minded, unstable, living two lives.

Doubt makes life chaotic, tossed by circumstances. Trust God confidently: He provides wisdom for endurance. Solomon had vast wisdom; you can too, through faith in the wiser Christ.

Closing Exhortations

Expect trials; don't expect only ease or happiness—God gives circumstances to make you like His Son, with joy through them.

Fight the trap of reacting victim-like; you control your response. You have salvation and God—don't let circumstances or the world define you.

Approach every circumstance with confidence in God. He never fails His purpose. Live in a reverential posture, asking for wisdom to endure with steadfastness—like a runner's high in adversity.