“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.” ~ James 1:2-5

The presence of blessings doesn’t mean an absence of problems.

When I first read this scripture as a child, I thought I needed to be happy all the time.  As I matured, I discovered joy was less about happiness and more about contentment.

Personally, I had a hard time believing I should be happy when my grandmother died.  She was having intolerable pain from the progressive nature of her bone cancer, so she was ready for the suffering to end.  However, being happy was the last thing on my mind.

What difficult times have you experienced?

Your situation may be different, but I think we all have found it hard to be happy during tragic situations such as tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, mudslides, tsunamis, murders, kidnappings, child abuse, racism, etc.

During these times we need joy.

Instead of pursuing happiness, you will benefit tremendously from pursuing joy.

Why joy?

In the scripture above, joy is defined as being calm.  It may be difficult to be calm in some situations, but there are three reasons why being calm will help your life.

1. Helps with Self-Control,

 

2. Helps with Decision-Making, and

 

 3. Helps with Stress.

 

Don’t let the circumstances of this life break you down, rather pursue joy in everything you do.  Be calm and discover ways of making your life more successful.

 

Question: How would your life look with more joy?  Leave your comments below.

 

Peace and Prosperity,

Bryant Hall

MTN Universal, LLC

 

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