So here’s a question for you: Is it possible to feel joy in the midst of difficult times?

I asked a question on Facebook recently. What one word describes how you are feeling right now?

There were the anticipated responses like, anxious, tired, weary and fearful. There were even words like grateful, compassionate, and hopeful but one word I did not see was joyful/joy.

And I am wondering, in uncertain times like we find ourselves in today, is it possible that we can still find joy?

This is what scripture tells us in James 1:2-5

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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (NIV)

Honestly, there are some things in Scripture that can leave us scratching our heads. Does James really think that I’m going to be joyful when I’m going through the tough moments in life?

Are we supposed to be joyful when the world seems to be in a constant state of fear? Really?

Joy is often the last thing we think or feel when we are struggling, or dealing with fears and doubts. It certainly wasn’t the top ten answer on my Facebook question. It didn’t even make the list!

Yet, that’s what James says in his letter: “Consider it pure joy.” Why? Because it’s a chain reaction. View it as joy because this trial can test your faith and show you just how much you need God. And when you realize that about your faith, your faith can mature and grow.

Really, joy?

Joy when someone is throwing you under the bus? Joy when people are talking about you behind your back? Joy when you crave the touch of another human but the fear of this virus is overwhelming? Joy?

Maybe what James is ultimately pointing us to is that we can reach a place in our faith when we see past the emotions and situations we encounter and still see that God is present. It’s a place on the other side of anxiety, pain and doubt. It’s the place where we know that no matter what, God is there.

And when we have seen God work in our trials, we know, without a doubt that God is going to be there in the future and that God is never going to leave.

God won’t leave us during this provincial “stay-home” order we are currently in.
God won’t leave us as we wait for test results.
God won’t leave us as we are trying to figure out how to make ends meet after a sudden job loss.
God is with us no matter what!

And for me, knowing with certainty that God is there in the midst of all of it, allows me to feel joy.

Maybe James was on to something!