Integrity with Joy

James 1:2

Do you know why you’re here? On earth? Have you thought much about that lately? Because that’s what matters. And that’s what God’s Word is here to show you. We are here for purposes that require us to go through a lifetime of challenges and tight spots—“trials of various kinds”—so that we can display the superiority of life lived in God. Because as you know, trials and troubles come to all people. They’re a part of everyone’s life. But in how many people do those same trials and troubles produce . . . “joy”? Joy—a supernatural delight in the person of God, the purposes of God, and the people of God. God allows us to face and feel the same things that people who don’t know Him experience, so that we can put on display the joyful distinction of what it means to be His child—what it means to live with hope and eternal perspective.


Questions for further thought:
1. Who has demonstrated more joy through trials than anyone else you know? How has their example impacted you?

2. What are your best opportunities today for displaying joy to others?


Challenge: Press your mind down on that hope and eternal perspective. Think about it hard today. In light of what’s happening to you right now, and in light of why you’re here, what can you do in this moment to best display the superiority of life with God?