True JOY

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (NIV)

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (NKJ)

Here are 2 different versions of the same verse. The key here is count it all JOY. When YOU decide to look at your circumstances as an opportunity to develop something in YOU; Count it JOY because you know you have an opportunity to grow whether spiritually or morally, it’s your chance to build your character.

See, Joy is not a happy feel good feeling, or some emotion that comes and goes, it is a deliberate conscience decision to view YOUR circumstances from Gods perspective.
Joy is not a happy feel good feeling, or some emotion that comes and goes, it is a deliberate conscience decision to view YOUR circumstances from Gods perspective. (think about this and re-read this sentence until you "get it" sometimes reading oer and over again helps get it in me)

Let me leave you with this final thought today. To have True and Lasting Joy it must be:

J-Jesus
O-Others
Y-You