For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:11-12
When all is said and done Jesus Christ is Lord. Why is it that real spiritual joy (fruit of the Spirit) comes through affliction and trials? Real joy is content in every circumstance, knowing with certainty of the hope that remains of the promises He has made to each of us personally by His Spirit. This ‘joy’ is not like the world’s emotion like ‘happiness’ but of an abiding Presence that dwells deep within our soul. It’s what gives the individual the ability to be ‘steadfast’ when the ‘heat’ is turned up. Of course… I’m talking about the very Presence of the Word that has been accepted and deposited into us. Now I use the word ‘Word’ here in it fullest fashion. In the Greek the word ‘Word’ is ‘Logos’ and is preeminently used of Christ (John 1:1), expressing the thoughts of the Father through the Spirit. It is far greater than words just printed on a page. It is the living and powerful Truth which is the very Presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit literally within us. This is where REAL joy comes from. In the testing of that ‘Word’ within us we come to know it’s reality and sureness.
…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. James 1:3-4
What are the disciplines that are needed when the heat is turned up? This is the time when our ability to Hear His Voice within us is tested and tried. And our ability to act swiftly and obediently to His instructions He is giving us in the moment will determine the amount of ‘faith’ that we’ve allowed to reside within us that He has given to us. This is also the time when the practiced two way prayer conversation you have with Him will be essential for listening to Him. When we seem to need Him most .. is often when we seem to not be able to hear Him. As the ‘storm’ turns up the heat — do we allow His Voice to be drowned out by the violence of the storm within our minds and emotions? This is when His peace (another fruit of the Spirit) is measured within us. If His peace resides within us — then His joy can be produced in us.
Can you measure the effects of these fruits (joy and peace) of the Spirit within you? What did the latest ‘test’ / trial reveal about you? Were you able to ‘hear’ Him in those moments? Were you able to be obedient to His instructions in the heat of the moment? Did you review with Him what you could have done better after the trial is done? Did you ask for His help?
Don’t worry if you feel like you failed. He will always pick you up, dust you off, and set you on His path again … if you let Him. Don’t wallow in the enemy’s lies that they are so good to spout off to you after a seeming failure of yours. Just repent honestly to Jesus and move forward with Him. This is the life and walk with Him. This is how we grow … in Him. This is why James says “Count it all joy…” because we know we will grow in Him if we can learn how to listen to Him… with obedience in the midst of the storm.