This devotional on joy in trials explains a hard command: finding joy not in the pain, but in what God is building through it. James writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2, ESV). Trials can grow steadfastness, so ask God what he is shaping in you today.
Key Verse
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2, ESV)
Who James Was Writing To
James was the brother of Jesus and a leader among the Jerusalem believers (Galatians 1:19; Acts 15:13). He did not believe in Jesus during Jesus’ earthly ministry (John 7:5), but after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to him (1 Corinthians 15:7), and his life changed.
James writes to the scattered twelve tribes, Jewish believers scattered beyond their homeland (James 1:1). Many of them were poor. Some were exploited by wealthy landowners who held back their wages (James 5:4). Others faced pressure for following Jesus. James was not writing to comfortable people in theory. He was writing to people under real strain.
That makes his opening words even more striking. After a one-line greeting, his very first instruction is about joy in trials.
Not Pretending
James does not say trials are good, or that we should smile and pretend everything is fine. He does not ask us to enjoy pain. Scripture is full of honest grief. Jesus wept at the tomb of his friend Lazarus (John 11:35). The psalms are full of lament. Later in this same letter, James tells suffering people to pray and sick people to call for the elders (James 5:13–14).
Joy in trials is not denial. It is a deeper confidence that sits underneath the tears.
Count It
The word count matters. It is an accounting term, a deliberate judgment. James is asking us to evaluate our trials in light of what we know about God. Feelings come and go, but we can choose how we interpret what is happening.
What do we know? James says the testing of faith produces steadfastness (James 1:3). Like metal refined in fire or muscles strengthened by resistance, faith grows sturdier when it is tested. Paul says something similar: suffering builds endurance, which shapes character, which in turn strengthens hope (Romans 5:3–4).
Lacking in Nothing
James says to let steadfastness finish its work, making us mature and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:4). The goal is not merely survival. God is making us whole.
This means our trials are not wasted. A layoff, a diagnosis, a broken friendship, or a long season of waiting can all become places where God is forming Christlike character in us. We may not see the full picture now, but we can trust that the Craftsman knows what he is building.
Asking for Wisdom
Right after this, James adds a promise. If anyone lacks wisdom, they can ask God, who is generous and does not scold us for asking (James 1:5). Trials often leave us confused. What should I do? How should I pray? What is God teaching me? James invites us to ask. God is not annoyed by our questions in hard times. He welcomes them.
A Personal Application: A Trial Journal
Choose one trial you are facing right now. On a sheet of paper, make two columns. In the first, write honestly what this trial is costing you: sleep, money, comfort, plans, relationships. Do not minimize it. In the second, write anything you see God doing through it, even something small: a deeper prayer life, a friend who showed up, a new compassion for others who suffer.
The second column may feel nearly empty at first. That is all right. Revisit the list each week, and ask God for wisdom about what he is shaping in you.
If your trial includes overwhelming grief, despair, or thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out to a pastor, counselor, or trusted person today. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any hour.
Today, Try This
Name one trial you are facing. Write down one way God might be growing your faith or steadfastness through it, and ask him for wisdom about the next step.
Reflection Question
How might your view of your current trial change if you saw it as a place where God is building something lasting in you?
Prayer
Lord, you know what I am facing, and you know how heavy it feels. I won’t pretend. Help me to trust that you are at work even here. Grow steadfastness in me and make me mature and whole. Give me wisdom for the next step, and let me find joy in you, even when I cannot find it in my circumstances. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “count it all joy” mean in James 1:2?
It means deliberately viewing trials in light of God’s purposes. James is not saying pain is pleasant, but that believers can have joy because God uses testing to grow steadfastness and maturity.
Why does God allow trials?
Scripture teaches that God uses trials to test and strengthen faith, produce endurance, and shape Christlike character (James 1:3–4; Romans 5:3–4). He is present with us in suffering and will one day end it.
How can I have joy in hard times?
Be honest with God about your pain, remember his promises, ask for wisdom, stay connected to other believers, and look for signs of his work in you. Joy rests on who God is, not on easy circumstances.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: joy in the Bible
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: Devotional on Wisdom (devotional)
- Related: Devotional on Suffering (devotional)
- Related: read: Devotional on Faith
- Bible Verses by Topic