COUNT IT ALL JOY
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes of the Dispersion G1290:
Greetings. Consider it pure joy G5479, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to
finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:1-3
G1290 diasporá, dee-as-por-ah’; from G1289; dispersion, i.e. (specially and concretely) the (converted) Israelite resident in Gentile countries:—(which are) scattered (abroad). (59)
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
James 1:1 James is most likely the brother of Jesus. More specifically, since Jesus was virgin born, James was his half-brother. In Acts this same James appears as the leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13ff.; 21:18). He describes himself as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” This word designates a slave, the rightful property of one’s master, though it does not necessarily carry the degrading connotation attached to the word today. James was proud to belong—body and soul—to God and to Jesus Christ. The letter is addressed to “the twelve tribes,” a designation intended to identify the readers as Jews. They were not residents of Palestine but were “scattered among the nations” as part of the Jewish Dispersion. James’s later designation of his readers as “believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” (2:1) makes it clear that he means Christian Jews. It is probable that the recipients were the members of the Jerusalem church who had been driven out of Jerusalem at the time of Stephen’s martyrdom (Ac 8:1, 4; 11:19-20). If so, James had formerly been their spiritual leader and he was writing them with rightful spiritual authority and with full knowledge of their needs. (60)
Expositor’s Commentary of the Bible, Barker
Joy, even during the trials and tests, can be ours if we remember that God is in complete control. God permits difficulties for the main purpose of shaping our character into the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29). I (Susan) have not been able to do weight bearing exercise since about the age of twelve due to my cerebral palsy and its complications. Because of this, I have osteoporosis. My bones are not very strong. Just as our bones need the pressure of weight-bearing exercise in order to strengthen and increase their density, we need tests of our faith in order to build up our spiritual houses. Our Father knows that we need small trials along the way in preparation for greater tests of faith. There is joy in the ability God gives us to stand confidently firm as we clothe ourselves in His armor.
Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.
Are you experiencing trials? Find joy in knowing that the Lord is using them to make you stronger and more like Jesus.
Father, we thank You that the trials in our lives teach us to depend more completely on You and strengthen our faith. Help us remember that times of testing can deepen our relationship with You when we fully rely on You. Help us to be joyful even in the middle of the tests and trials.
Worship with Remnant House singing “Count it All Joy”: