One day, a family went camping, and their four-year-old daughter, Joy, wandered off. After searching for 10 minutes, they found her stuck in a patch of cactus, and she could not get out.

Her parents watched as the little girl squirmed, trying to figure her way out. Finally, after being scratched and poked by the prickly needles of the cactus, she cried for help.  Like Joy, we try to figure out ways to get out of our difficult circumstances, forgetting to turn to the Lord living within us for His wisdom and guidance to lead us out.

 

When you read the title of this blog, some might think it strange how Joy is synonymous with trials. However, when we read the letter written by the brother of Jesus, our brother James to fellow Believers he wrote:

 

Consider it nothing but JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance
[leading to spiritual maturity and inner peace]. James 1:2-3 (Amplified)

 

When James wrote this letter, the church was under tremendous persecution; many were tortured and killed for their faith in Jesus Christ. Our brother James knew the cost he had to pay and was willing to sacrifice his whole being to follow Christ. Some of our sisters and brothers in Nigeria, China, and other parts of the world are being persecuted for their faith. Our trials that come to test our faith may come in numerous ways. Becoming a Christian will sometime require us to move out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. Perseverance in testing results in spiritual maturity and completeness. The testing of our faith can also come in small ways and daily irritations; they may also be severe afflictions (Isaiah 48:10) and attacks from Satan (Job 2:7). Whatever the source of the testing, it is to our benefit to undergo the trials that our Father allows. We get to grow in our faith and dependence upon our Lord.

 

Another one of our brothers had something to say about trials and unpleasant circumstances. The Apostle Paul wrote these words to his brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

IN Everything Give Thanks: for this is the WILL of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:18 (Amplified)

 

When reading I Thessalonians 5:18, one word jumps off the page, “IN.” I don’t know about you, but I haven’t given the Lord thanks “IN” everything, situation, or circumstances. I have encountered. It has taken me years not to grumble, pout, wish away, pray away, murmur, or complain my way through them. I often acted like a spoiled little brat or a knucklehead when I faced trials, sickness, stress, or situations I did not like. I learned to put on a spiritual façade and said, “Praise God, He will work it out,” but inwardly, still be anxious, fearful, fretting, or depressed. Yes, I tried that for a while, but my mask kept falling off. 

 

What I have learned over the years is to talk to the Lord and tell Him exactly what I am thinking and feeling. And guess what? He already knows. In being open and honest, He always responded to me with such grace, love, and understanding. We did not agree completely many times, but eventually, I came around to His wisdom and purposes for the circumstances. No, my circumstances did not always change. However, I was changed by the circumstances for good. So being honest and open with our Lord allows Him to reveal some beautiful truths. Here are a few that came to my heart:

 

• The scripture never said, “Give thanks FOR everything, BUT, IN everything, because I am using this circumstance for your good.”

 

• The Lord sometimes works through me to change the environment and often times He allowed the environment to change me.

 

• Instead of blaming others, pouting, or complaining about my circumstance, I ask the Lord, “Lord are you trying to teach me something through this situation?” Most of the time, yes. He asked me, who will I trust more, Him or my circumstance?

 

• The Will of God, conforming my whole being into the Oneness I have with Christ within me, is not always pleasant. It is downright painful! That is why many will not go through the disciplining of the Father.

 

• I may not get what I want, but He will always provide me with what I need.

 

• He is a Perfect Father who loves to give good gifts to His children. I may not like the wrapping paper my gift comes in, but it will change me when I open it and embrace it.

 

• He is not manipulated by my begging, tears, or promises. He moves according to His purposes and His plans. 

 

• He loves when I trust Him, but my unbelief never deters His promises to me. HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS AND WILL DO WHATEVER HE SAYS HE WILL DO.

 

• I am His FOREVER, no matter what, and nothing in the universe will ever change that.

 

GIVE THANKS BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS

 

 

Kind – “So that in the ages to come, He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in KINDNESS toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace, you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:7-8

 

Compassionate – “The Lord is COMPASSIONATE and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Psalm 103:8

 

Giving– “For God so loved the world that He GAVE His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

 

Faithful – “The Lord’s lovingkindness indeed never ceases, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your FAITHFULNESS.” Lamentations 3:22-23

 

Merciful – “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in MERCY, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5

 

Strong – “Who is this King of glory? The Lord STRONG and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” Psalm 24:8

 

Forgave Us – “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh worldliness, manner of life), God made you alive together with Christ, having [freely] FORGIVEN us all our sins.” Colossians 2:13

 

Righteous– “The Lord is RIGHTEOUS in ALL His ways and faithful in all He does.” Psalm 145:17

 

Caring– “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26

 

Loving– “See what great LOVE the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1

 

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Today and every day, always remember Joy is hiding in our trials, so give thanks to our loving, gracious, and merciful Father (Papa), Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit, who use ALL things to draw us ever deeper into their grace and love.

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Enjoy Christ, Enjoy Life!