#FearlesslyLivingFriday- Joy
Category : Uncategorized
Fearless Living Friday
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.
Do you have something you fear within your relationship with others? Fear of your significant other leaving? Fear you will not have enough money to live? Fear something terrible will happen to your children? Does that fear bring up negative emotions and physical reactions? Or is it positively impacting your relationships and helping you live to your fullest? God’s word tells us that that when we are full of love, it drives out our fear! We become FEARLESS! Love breeds fearlessness! Today, make a list of three things that stirs up fear in you and reflect on how God’s love can drive out those fears in you!
The other day, I was learning about agape love, which is a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. I was learning how to love my family and friends in such a way, when the pastor said, “This is how we are to love everyone.” I thought, “I have a difficult time loving my family and friends like this and you want me to extend it to everyone?” The answer was “Yes because God is love.” As you reflect on today’s verse, ask yourself if you love everyone with a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. Is there a specific someone or group of people who you struggle to like, yet alone love? God calls us to rely on the love He has for us and to live in love. Today, take a moment to pray and ask God how you can fearlessly love those who you struggle to like.
During difficult times do you lean on the love of God? Are you willing to trust him even when times are hard? How often do we challenge God’s plan for your life instead of trusting His love for us and our lives? Imagine if Jesus did not trust God, He would not have been able to endure the pain He did the day he died on the cross. God’s love for us was so strong and powerful (and continues to be!) that He gave His only son. As we enter into a new year, let us remember that we are not alone in our journey, no matter how difficult. 
During difficult times do you lean on the love of God? Are you willing to trust him even when times are hard? How often do we challenge God’s plan for your life instead of trusting His love for us and our lives? Imagine if Jesus did not trust God, He would not have been able to endure the pain He did the day he died on the cross. God’s love for us was so strong and powerful that he gave his only son. As we enter into our second month of the new year, let us remember that we are not alone in our journey, no matter how difficult.