James writes to believers under trial. It was a difficult period of time when the early church was being persecuted, especially those Jews who became christians and received much antagonism from unbelieving fellow Jews.
What is important to note is that he does not say ‘be happy’ but ‘count it all joy’. The term count it is consider it so or deem it to be so once and for all. What is the person to count on? Count on the facts that these trials or adversities will produce endurance, which in turn results in the maturing of the believer.
At this point you might say, “this is just positive thinking John”. It sounds like this is saying, just be positive, it will work itself out. That is precisely what it is not saying.
First, let’s take a look at another portion of Scripture:
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Notice that the counting on is by faith but it’s not blind faith or positive thinking. You count on what you know to be true. He says knowing we have the hope that does not disappoint – the Holy Spirit has been given as a guarantee of our inheritance and future bodily resurrection. The same Holy Spirit that gives us the way and the means to experience life in abundance today no matter what the circumstance or adversity.
Notice he does not say ‘count it all joy when the adversity ends’. He says, see if for what it is, knowing God uses these things for good…
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
So next time you are in some trial or adversities, count on the facts and don’t trust your eyes. Circumstances can be misleading from our point of view – especially when we’re smack in the middle of them.
For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. Romans 8:24-25
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