James 1:2 tells us to focus on how we think rather than how we feel. Joy is not putting on a happy face to pretend everything is OK; joy is thinking about our circumstances in a way that acknowledges the work the Lord is doing, because we trust that He is good. Because joy is not determined by external circumstances, there is even joy when we face trials or challenges. There is joy for Christians, even in difficult times, as we know that our God will prove Himself to be faithful again. Joy can be a sacrifice of convenience or ease, but the deep riches of hope found in growing our faith make the pain something worth celebrating.

What difficulties in your life could be looked at through the lens of joy?