Thursday, December 24, 2009

James 1

In James 1:2 it says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything."  The next few verses talk about wisdom after that.  James tells us if you feel you lack wisdom you should ask God to give you more.

The ability to have joy in trials is not one that I see very often from myself or anyone else for that matter.  As I was pondering this section of scripture, I thought to myself that it is because of our perspective on the trial that we experience.  James is saying that there is a purpose behind the trial.  That if we could look at the big picture, we would realize that God is up to something in the middle of the trial.  Not that God causes the trial, but that he brings something good out of it.  It is not just time wasted.  Just as Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes." 

Psalm 32:5-7 God is Ready and Eager to Forgive

  Psalm 32:3-7 3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me...