Advent Devotional – Week 3, Day 4: Joy in Trials
James 1:2–3
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
Reflection
This is one of the most challenging verses in the Bible, but it is deeply linked to the reality of Advent. James doesn't suggest pretending trials are fun; he tells us to "count it all joy" because of what the trial produces—the strengthening of our faith.
The joy found here is not emotional but intentional. It is the settled assurance that God is sovereignly using every difficult experience to refine our character and make us more steadfast, more like Christ. We can celebrate the end result of the testing, knowing that even in hardship, God is drawing us closer to the image of the Savior whose birth we celebrate.
The joy found here is not emotional but intentional. It is the settled assurance that God is sovereignly using every difficult experience to refine our character and make us more steadfast, more like Christ. We can celebrate the end result of the testing, knowing that even in hardship, God is drawing us closer to the image of the Savior whose birth we celebrate.
Prayer
Faithful God, when I face trials today, help me to see them through Your eyes.
Give me the intentional joy that looks beyond the present pain to the character You are building in me.
Strengthen my faith so that I may be found steadfast and mature.
Amen.
Give me the intentional joy that looks beyond the present pain to the character You are building in me.
Strengthen my faith so that I may be found steadfast and mature.
Amen.
Questions for Reflection
- What is one current trial you can choose to "count as joy" today, focusing on the growth it is producing?
- How does understanding the connection between trials and steadfastness change your reaction to unexpected difficulties?
- What is the difference between a feeling of happiness and the deeper, intentional joy described here?
Encouragement for the Week
The truest measure of joy is not its size in times of ease, but its resilience in times of testing.
(Part of “Rediscovering the Wonder: An Advent Devotional” – Week 3: Joy.)
(Part of “Rediscovering the Wonder: An Advent Devotional” – Week 3: Joy.)
Posted in Advent 2025