It’s Your Choice to Rejoice in Trouble
By Rick Warren
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2 (NLT)
No matter what challenges and difficulties you face, you can trust God to see you through.
That’s why the Bible says you can rejoice when you face trouble: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2 NLT).
It’s easy to misunderstand this verse. God’s not saying be a martyr. He’s not saying deny reality. He's not saying fake it ‘til you make it.
We don't rejoice for the trouble. But we can still rejoice during the trouble because of what we know is true.
And what is true? We know that God sees and cares about everything we're going through. We know that we're never alone, that God is always with us. We know that he will give us strength if we trust him.
One of the greatest comforts when you're going through troubles is God’s promise in Romans 8:28: "We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him . . . " (NCV).
God has promised to bring good out of bad for us—in everything. That includes the pandemic! That's not a promise for everybody. It's a promise for believers, those who love him and are committed to living according to his purpose.
When you're in a tough time, joy is a choice because you can rely on the goodness of God. Joy is not based on circumstances, and that’s why it's your choice to rejoice no matter what the situation.
Joy is not based on circumstances, and that’s why you are able to make a choice to rejoice no matter what your situation is.
Joy is based on what we know is true, and it’s based on our faith that God will fulfill his promise to work things out for good, according to his purpose.
In Psalm 34:1, King David said, "I will praise the LORD at all times; his praise is always on my lips" (NCV). Even now, we should thank God. Praise God. Rejoice in God—not just in good times. At all times.
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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