We end this series with a similar sentiment with which we began it: the troubles we face can be an opportunity for joy(!). This time, however, the person saying these words is none other than James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and no stranger to hardships himself. Why does James believe our response to troubles should lead us to joy? Because, according to him, troubles grow our hypomonē. And when our endurance has grown, our faith can fully develop.

Do you want true joy this year? It won’t be found in money or vacations or social media. True joy comes from the knowledge that even in hardships, we are squarely within the presence of our loving God. This is why we endure. Because it’s not up to us. It is God who carries us through.