Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. – James 1:2-3
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. – 1 Peter 1:8-9
At first glance, James’ words seem surprising, “Count it all joy…when you meet trials”. Yet Scripture teaches us that joy is refined through perseverance. Trials test our faith. They shape us into people who trust God more deeply and depend on Him more fully.
Peter speaks to believers who could not see Jesus with their physical eyes, yet lived in profound joy: “though you have not seen Him you love Him… you rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” This joy flows from faith and hope in salvation – a joy that can’t be taken away.
When I faced a deep, dark time of grief in my life, there was a point where I thought I would never feel joy again. However, as I continued praying, worshipping, and leaning into my faith, I noticed moments of gratitude, hope, and even joy – not because the pain disappeared, but because I felt God sustaining me day after day. This is a biblical truth – joy can coexist with suffering – a joy rooted in faith in God, love for Christ, and confidence that the Holy Spirit is working within us.
During Advent, we wait with expectant hearts, knowing that Christ has come, Christ is with us, and Christ will come again. Even in uncertainty, we can rejoice, because our joy rests securely in Him.