The last few weeks have been spent on the accusations of Job’s three friends and Job’s response to them. This last week we looked as how someone could take joy in suffering and how is that different from being happy. Isn’t being happy the same thing as being joyful? That really depends on your definition of joyful.
James 1:2-6
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001. Print.
Count it all joy when I suffer? I can honestly say that I am not happy about suffering but James is talking about is about our spiritual growth. Count it all joy when we meet and over come various kinds of trials because it will strengthen us. College is what most people would consider to be a trial but most people also consider the end (the degree) worth the punishment. The same thing with Martial Arts training or any kind of fitness training. We do it with a joyful spirit knowing what we are gaining. We are not necessarily happy with the training or studying but we bask in the knowledge of what we will gain. Joy is something of the heart and is more of a state of being while happiness is something we feel in response to outside or inside stimulus like receiving a gift or prize where joy is a raising of the spirit that is more fulfilling and lasting.
God Bless everyone and have a great Thanksgiving,
Bristol Missionary Youth 