The Coexistence of Joy and Pain

James‬ ‭1:2-4‬, ‭ESV‬‬

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.

‭‭

In this passage, James equates trials to testing—trials of various kinds = the testing of your faith. He does the same thing a few verses later in verse 12 when he says, Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test. Again, steadfast under trial = stood the test.

We can see through this scripture (and through our own experience if we’ve lived very long:), that as our faith is tested through our trials, an amazing process takes place within us. It’s a process that, if we let it (verse 4), results in us being perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 

That phrase, lacking in nothing, insinuates purpose to come. To lack nothing means there will be a sufficiency of whatever is needed in order to meet the need of what lies ahead—because everything God accomplishes within us is to prepare us for what he wants to accomplish through us. 

The Greek word translated testing in the verses above means what is found approved (genuine) after testing, and it was used to describe the process of putting coins through a test to ensure they were genuine. If they were tested and proven genuine, then they were used.

A proven coin was a usable coin. 

A proven faith is a usable faith. 

A proven person is a usable person. 

No trial is wasted. Every trial accomplishes a transformative within us so God can accomplish a transformative work through us!

And that’s where the joy comes from. 

We don’t count the trouble as joy, we count the transformation as joy. We don’t count the pain as joy, we count the purpose as joy.  

This kind of joy is supernatural. It’s not a joy that wells up in the absence of pain, it’s a joy that wells up in the presence of pain. It’s the coexistence of joy and pain, and it’s one of the most beautiful, overwhelming ways to experience God on this side of heaven. 

Oh Lord, thank You for your perfect processes. We lift up the ones to You who are in the middle of pain at this very moment. May the joy of the Lord be their strength. May it well up within them as they ponder Your promises. Amen.