Enjoying Your Troubles Yet?

James 1:2-3 “Count it all joy.”

This opening statement, “count it all joy,” is curious in its abrupt introduction of a problem. That problem is not stated, but seems to be understood – at least in the minds of the initial readers. What is the “it” that is to be counted as joy? That perhaps is the wrong way to ask the question, but the context and the Greek point to the next phrase / clause as the center of James’ discussion. The Greek words are in this order: “All joy count, brethren of mine, when your fall….” The “it” we should count as joy is that occasion when we fall into trials.

The Greek verb “count” is the key to understanding James’ meaning and emphasis. It is the word ἡγέομαι / hegeomai. According to Strong/Thayer, it is in a family of synonyms in Greek which “denote a belief resting not on one’s inner feelings or sentiments, but on the due consideration of external grounds, the weighing and comparing of facts.”

The central issue that James is addressing is the disparity between the appearance of certain circumstances which cause us pain or misfortune and the spiritual reality of those same circumstances. This appearance is contrary to the underlying reality that we should know and always consider -- that reality is the sovereign goodness of Almighty God.

Essentially, James reminds us first and foremost that we must force our minds away from impulsive, personal, and emotional reactions to events and consider those events a source of joy by firmly resting in the reality of God’s goodness and sovereignty.

Look at this interesting word in verse 2 – “temptation” (KJV), “trial” (NKJV, NASB). This word comes from the metallurgy industry, or that is where it has a clear application. The Greek word is πειρασμός – peirasmos. It is used to describe the testing of something to prove its strength. So it follows that when used to describe personal testing it is to prove ones character, fidelity, faith, and holiness. In this case, James states in verse three that the trial is to prove by testing (Gk. δοκίμιον – dokimion verse 3) the genuineness of one’s faith.

Dr. MacArthur’s comment: “Every trial becomes a test of faith designed to strengthen; if a believer fails the test by wrongly responding, that test becomes a temptation, or a solicitation for evil.”

As we look at the testing, perhaps we should also recognize the intensity of this situation. James uses the Greek word that is a combination of a prefix that means "around" and a verb that means "to fall." The result of this combination is a word that describes to fall among and be surrounded by. James is describing those situations where the trouble seems to surround and engulf us. It's as if we have fallen into some great pit from which there seems no escape.

Here is my thought. These tests are the situations that we all encounter when the problem surrounds us, and our natural response is to feel overwhelmed. Some problems and difficult events pass without great concern and we take them as routine and part of life because our strength of faith is not threatened, but James is speaking of those things that are a true crisis. These are the tests that bring us close to the “breaking point” of our faith. In those cases, true faith produces patience.

Note these words:

“produces” (“worketh” KJV) – Gk. κατεργάζομαι – katergazomai. This is an emphatic word that means to perform or accomplish.

“patience” – Gk. ὑπομονή - hypomonē. Strong translates this word as “steadfastness, constancy, endurance.”

So it follows that one’s tested faith is seen in one’s patience, steadfastness, constancy, and endurance.

Having said all that, what does this kind of close-to-the-breaking-point testing have to do with joy?

I was hoping you would ask…. That is the issue James answers in these and the following verses.

What from this passage applies to me today? Am I headed for a trial of my patience? Am I headed for a personal test of my faith in Thy sovereignty and goodness? O, my Lord, You know I am at heart a coward when it comes to such trials. I do not ask to be spared, for in my heart I know that you work all things for Your glory and good. So, I put my hand to my mouth and say no more.