Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds. James 1:2 ESV
I am once again doing another Bible Study through Love God Greatly. They will be doing the book of James beginning Monday January 15. I got a jump start on it today and was studying James 1:2.
After writing down the verse and my observations I began a word study. The first word I looked at was “joy”. As I went onto Bible Hub and looked at the Strong’s Concordance tab for joy this is what I saw
I think what really struck me is that joy in the midst of trials is not giggly happiness but the awareness of God’s grace and favor in the midst of it. How has he met me? As I recount the many graces He has bestowed on me, gratitude and joy well up inside in spite of the circumstances.
Remembering these things listed below and so many other ways He has shown His grace and favor upon me, cause true joy to well up in my soul and builds my faith. May they enable you to have the joy of recognizing His grace and favor upon you even in the darkest and hardest times.
– He gives me peace that passes understanding.
– He has promised to always be with me.
– He strengthens my soul.
– He has sovereignly ordained my days for His purposes to work out my eternal good and bring Him glory.
– He will help, strengthen and uphold me.
Blessings,
Deb
Joyful Refuge 
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