“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (James 1:2 NLT)

There are certain passages of Scripture that make you say, “Huh?” James 1:2 is a prime example. It almost defies logic. Doesn’t it seem natural for our circumstances to dictate our response? It’s just input and output, isn’t it? If we’re dealt personal troubles, the obvious responses are anger, frustration, and anxiety. If we experience a betrayal, the logical response is bitterness. If the input is disappointment, the output is sadness. Right?

Not according to James 1:2. “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” If that seems like a weird thing to say to a suffering person, look more closely. James isn’t saying enjoy it when you suffer. And he’s not saying that troubles are joy because they’re not. Hebrews 12:11 tells us, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful!” (NLT). James is saying when you’re confronted by difficult situations, make the choice to rejoice.

Jesus set the ultimate example for us in this area. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame” (NLT). Joy? What joy? Jesus was scoured with a whip thirty-nine times. His beard was ripped from His face. He was punched countless times by Roman soldiers. He had a crown of thorns pressed into His scalp. After losing a tremendous amount of blood, He was forced to carry a heavy crossbeam to the site of His crucifixion. He had spikes driven through His wrists and feet.

Can you find the joy in this picture? Jesus could. The joy was you. The joy was me.

Jesus knew what His suffering and death on the cross would accomplish. He came to this world to be a suffering Savior, to bear our sins, to die in our place, and then to rise again from the dead. Instead of focusing on the misery and pain of His immediate circumstances, He saw the joy in the big picture. He made the choice to rejoice.

Paul and Silas made the same choice when they sang praises to God after they’d been thrown in a Roman jail for preaching the gospel (see Acts 16:25–40). They didn’t give in to self-pity, fear, or anger behind bars. Instead, they counted it a privilege to suffer for their faith. They understood that God was doing something bigger, and they rejoiced that they were able to play a part in His plan.

You can do the same thing. If you’re going through a time of trial right now, rejoice. It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to or don’t feel like it. Rejoice. Why? Because God is in control. He knows what you’re experiencing. Rejoice because God is working your situation for His purposes.

If you’re struggling in a relationship, rejoice. God may be strengthening your bond. Or He may be giving you clarity about what your next step should be. Whatever the case, know that He is aligning your relationship with His will.

No matter what you’re going through, it will work together for God’s glory and ultimately for your good. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (NLT). God is in control, so we can make the choice to rejoice.

Reflection Question: What might keep you from rejoicing when you face troubles in your life?

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