Working on Joy
Ryan ended part 1 of our devotional on joy with James 1, which talks about finding joy in our trials. That's where I want to pick up. The verses say, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." Verse 3 tells us the reason we're able to find joy in our trials is because we know that the testing of our faith produces perseverance.
I love a good workout! I love a workout even more after a few weeks of working out when I get to see results. In Romans 5:3-5, Paul writes, "We also rejoice in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint."
Anyone who has ever worked out knows resistance builds muscle; the more opposition, the more strength. The more we persevere through our trials and we look back and see the way we've grown through them, the easier it becomes to approach the next trial because we can have hope in the outcome.
-Josh-
Here's another joyful song to listen to and maybe even workout while you're listening!