James 1:2-4

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 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.

This week we chose “Joy” by For King & Country.

Take some time and let the words wash over you and let your prayer be tonight to choose joy.

Who counts all the trials they come across as joy? Often trials produce whining, annoyance, irritation, sadness, defeated attitude, and pretty much anything but steadfastness.  The Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2019) defines steadfastness as “firmly fixed in place: immovable; not subject to change; firm in belief, determination, or adherence.” Through that firmness, our inability to be moved, we can choose to let it have its full effect on us, perfection and completion, lacking nothing. As you go about your Friday and into your weekend, whenever you find yourself experiences trials, remind yourself to be firm and give a mental nudge that the trial is helping to perfect and complete you, so that you will lack nothing.