James starts the letter right off addressing the church knowing that they all will experience trials. The word here for various can mean variegated or many colors. James while addressing external trials does not put them as a one size fits all. He does not suggest they are only matters of persecution; but external life circumstances that will effect each of us. Whether it be financial, physical, emotional, mental, accidental or persecution each person will experience trials in their lives.
James is establishing the difference as we talked about briefly between external trials and then what he labels as temptations- these are temptations or internal trials that can lead one to sin. For example, cancer would be an external trial, or the loss of a job, or a break-up, or being mocked for your faith. Outside circumstances that now must be navigated through a Christ-centered and Word based response.
Temptations can come out of these but are not limited to it. IE. You break up and are tempted to go drink away your sorrows with girlfriends and make lots of bad choices. This would be temptation. Or lust that gives way to action. Or loss of job that gives way to stealing. Or anger that gives way to physically or emotionally hurting someone. We will go much deeper to this portion as we hit 13-15.
James tells us to respond with joy to all trials. We might feel this is silly or trite. But notice he does not use the word 'happy.' He does not say Don't worry, be happy! He does not sing to you somewhere over the rainbow.... He does not tell you you deserve happiness. Happiness is a fickle emotion. The word joy is purposeful.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Reverend Henry McCleoud says on his sermon of James, "Joy dear friends, was purchased for us by our Lord; it is part of our Christian heritage poured into our hearts by the Spirit; it is granted at the movement of conversion and cultivated over a life of obedience, prayer, study of Scripture, faith and good works!
We should chose joy before trials come. Because they will. By choosing to wake up and be in God's word, and sit under sound teaching, and participating in a local healthy body and church; we do well to prepare for trials. Trials have a way of us falling on whats familiar. Sometimes those are bad habits. We would do well to be mindful each time- am I responding in a way that points others, INCLUDING myself to Christ, or am I responding in a way that does not.
It is not easy. But we studied in Philippians " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That is not a cliche verse, it is purposeful and it is necessary to fall on truths like that when faced with various trials... that dear sister through the strength of Jesus Christ, we can chose Joy.
Worship: Lord from Sorrows Deep I call
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