Count it all joy, James 1:1-11

During the summer months, there are several Sundays when I am out of the pulpit. I will return to preaching through 2 Corinthians when I return to the pulpit, but for these weeks where I have been away, I will be posting sermons from the book of James I preached in 2020. As an interesting historical note, considering that James begins the letter with the instruction to "consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance," while preaching this series, I was hospitalized with COVID-19. I began the series in August. Our church had returned to in-person services a few months before, in May, and we were trying to define a new normal while responding to the pandemic. When I began this series and preached this message, I had no idea that ten weeks later, I would be in a hospital bed, too weak to carry on a conversation longer than a few words.

If all you read from this passage was verse 2, you might be led to think that James was instructing you to have a Pollyanna attitude toward the world. In isolation, this verse seems to instruct that you should be upbeat even when difficult situations and moments come your way.

However, A Pollyanna approach to this world is not what the Bible is calling you to. James does not turn a blind eye to the brokenness of this world. Rather, looking squarely and honestly at the struggles you will confront in this world, James wants you to see God's purpose, plan, and provision presently and for eternity to come.

"Count it all joy" rests on God's purpose in suffering and your confidence in faith and peace in God's provision.