When you first read these verses it might sound kind of crazy. "When I have troubles, consider it an opportunity for joy?" Most of us aren't very joyful when experiencing troubles and that's the normal human response, to feel frustrated and angry and a whole mix of negative emotions when going through hard times.
When we're looking at things with an earthly mindset and from the point of view of our lives down here it makes sense to feel that way when we're struggling. It makes sense to worry about how we're going to make it through or how we're going to provide or find a way out. But that's when it's important to shift our mindset to heavenly things and zoom out on just our lives down here to see the bigger picture.
Not only that God will provide for you and make a way but also that heaven is our end goal and we're here to take as many people with us as possible. A lot of times in our earthly mindsets the end goals are to get a job, make money, get married, raise your kids, and retire. Those aren't bad things but when you let that become your focus and the main goal you're moving towards you forget what's really important.
It is hard to think in an eternal mindset and from a heavenly point of view because we get so wrapped up in this life and always hearing things like "life is short." and " you only live once." While that's technically true it gets so ingrained in us that we just can't seem to think in an eternal mindset. However, we have to be intentional to remember, the things of this life are not what really matters, we should be preparing for eternity and helping others to do the same.
This verse really shows the importance of shifting your mindset because in an earthly mindset when troubles come we want to find a solution quickly and end our struggling, which only sends us in a downward spiral of worry and fear. But in an eternal mindset we can rest, knowing God has it handled and even find joy knowing that this is an opportunity for growth and God will use it for good.
Prayer:
God, we thank you for your eternal love, we thank you for your blessings and provision. Please help us to shift our mindsets off of this world and on to eternity with you. Just help us to keep our focus on you and our trust in you alone. We thank you for all the opportunities you've given us and the works you've done in us. God, we ask that you would be our overflowing and ever constant source of joy, especially in difficult times. Let your will be done in our lives and use us however you see fit.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Verse:
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
James 1:2-3 NLT
