Joy for the Journey: Finding Hope in the Midst of TrialSample

James tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials. But what is joy? And how do we find it in those trials?

I recently spent over a month reading and researching joy, and after all that study, I landed on this simple definition:

We find joy when we place our HOPE in Jesus and have faith in Him.

Joy comes from having faith and trusting God, trusting God's plan for the trial, and trusting God on the journey. Not just trusting but believing and having faith that He knows the big picture and is taking us on the journey for His purpose and glory.

Do you trust God with your trial? Do you have faith in Him? Be honest with yourself.

I talk to many people each week who are going through the trial of loving an addict. We all have the same fear for our loved ones: overdose. I believe that’s one reason so many moms, dads, and spouses believe their loved one’s struggle is their battle to fight. We are fearful they will end up on the streets and die!

The reality is that addiction ends either in recovery, institutions, or death. But even if an overdose happens, we must have faith in God’s plan. We must trust Him. Because in that trust lies joy.