How to Count It All Joy James 1:2 Devotional

Life is hard! But in this James 1:2 Devotional, we’ll see God’s hand guiding us during the hard times and discover how to “count it all joy” in the midst of difficulty.

What does James 1:2 mean?

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

James 1:2-3 NKJV

James 1:2 tells us to “count it all joy” when we face trials of many kinds. But let’s be honest, that’s much easier said than done. None of us is immune from hardship, and we’ll all face trials at some point in our lives. When we’re standing in the middle of the fiery furnace we call life, joy feels far from our hearts. The trials of life, whether they last for a little while or a prolonged season, can weigh heavily on us.

However, God’s Word encourages us to stop seeing these hardships as something to be avoided, and instead to look at these bad things through the eyes of faith. We can use these trials as an opportunity to draw closer to God by trusting in His plan, and believing that they will produce endurance in us.

Because through the various trials this scripture mentions, we learn important lessons on perseverance and patience. And that the testing of our faith isn’t meant to hurt us, but rather to refine us. At the end of the trial, we’ll be “perfect” and “complete”, lacking nothing in the Lord.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, is reminding us in the book of James that trials aren’t pointless. They have a purpose. The testing of our faith produces something invaluable, spiritual maturity. While it’s natural to want to avoid troubles of any kind, they serve to strengthen us in the sight of God. James urges us to rejoice because these trials are refining our Christian character, making us more like Christ Jesus. And that is our reason to count it all joy when wefall into various trials.

We can rejoice knowing every trial gives us more endurance for the long race ahead. So, if you feel like your faith is being tested, rejoice and draw near to God. He will get you through it.

Why Count It All Joy?

The Greek word for “count” used in James 1:2 suggests a conscious decision, a deliberate act of considering something in a specific way. So, counting it all joy isn’t a fleeting, visceral emotion, it’s an intentional choice. In the context of James, this “counting” is not denying the trials of various kinds but seeing the good work God is doing through them.

James reminds us that trials are temporary, and they lead us to something eternal, the crown of life promised to those who love God.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12 ESV

Even the greatest rewards come after periods of testing. The Apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 5:3-4 when he says, “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

Each trial brings us closer to the image of Christ. While our outward circumstances may be tough and remind us of loss, the inward work of the Holy Spirit is producing endurance, transforming us into Christ followers who trust the will of God more each day. When we face trials with pure joy, we’re placing our faith in God’s promise and His eternal plan for our lives.

3 Ways to Count It All Joy When Life is Hard

1. Shift Your Focus to God’s Plan

In the trials of our life, it’s easy to focus on the immediate circumstance. But when we fix our eyes on the revelation of Jesus Christ to come, we can see beyond our present troubles. God’s plan is greater than the storms of life, and He’s using them for our good. Instead of seeing bad things as setbacks, look at them as steps in God’s perfect work in you. As the pastor Charles Spurgeon once said, “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.”

When you feel tested, remember that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and that endurance produces character. God is building something in you far greater than temporary relief, He’s refining you for His kingdom.

2. Lean on God’s Strength, Not Your Own

The trials of life are completely overwhelming when we try to handle them with our own strength. But the Bible teaches us that when we’re weak, God is strong. James encourages us to ask for wisdom from God, and He will generously give it. When you feel your faith is faltering, lean on the Holy Spirit to guide you and rely on this wisdom.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5 NIV

During different kinds of trials, it’s easy to grow weary and want to give up, but God promises that those who wait upon Him will renew their strength. If you feel like throwing in the towel, trust that He’s with you every step of the way, and let this verse from Isaiah encourage your heart.

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

3. Keep an Eternal Perspective

Trials of various kinds remind us that we’re not living in our forever home yet. This world, with all its trouble and pain, isn’t the end of our story. James reminds us that God’s hand is at work, and He’s preparing us for something far greater, eternal life with Him. This perspective allows us to step back and see trials not as random occurrences but as part of God’s good work to prepare us for the fullness of joy in His presence.

When we face trials of many kinds, it’s helpful to remember that they’re shaping us for the kingdom of God. The testing of our faith is described as more precious than gold in this inspiring Bible verse from the book of 1 Peter.

so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:7 ESV

With this in mind, we can face even the hardest times with a kind of joy that’s rooted in our Heavenly Father’s eternal promises.

God’s Hand in Our Trials

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see God’s hand guiding His people through trials. Whether it’s the nation of Israel wandering in the wilderness or Christ Jesus Himself enduring the cross, God’s presence was never far away. He was always working behind the scenes, using trials to bring about His perfect will.

In your own experience, you may have seen how God’s hand has carried you through the darkest moments. Perhaps you’ve gone through tough times like those described in this passage from Habakkuk.

Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 NKJV

The people of Habakkuk’s day were facing the most dire circumstances, yet God provided. And just like He did for them, He will do the same for you now. While the “storms of life” can feel overwhelming, none of them are outside of God’s control. He’s with you, refining your faith and drawing you closer to Him.

The End Goal: Complete in Christ

We often think trials are there to harm us, but they’re actually part of God’s plan to make us “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”. Like an olive press squeezing out oil, trials press us but also produce something valuable, greater dependence on God and a deeper faith in Jesus. The more we trust in God’s hand, the more we can count it all joy, knowing He’s with us, step by step, working all things for our good.

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:4 NKJV

James 1:4 tells us that in the Christian life, being perfect and complete means spiritual growth that reflects the character of Christ, not sinless perfection. Through the trials we endure, God is shaping us into His image, refining our hearts, and helping us become more like His Son.

The testing of your faith isn’t a sign of God’s absence but of His active involvement in your life. He’s using the “trials of various kinds” to produce something beautiful in you, a faith that endures and a heart that trusts Him fully.

Even when the olive crop fails or the storms of life rage, God’s still at work. We may not understand the why behind every trial, but we can trust that our Heavenly Father knows. In the end, the perfect work of God in us will be a testimony to His faithfulness and love.

Counting It All Joy in Jesus’ Name

Counting it all joy isn’t about denying the pain of our circumstances or pretending that we don’t struggle. It’s about trusting that God’s hand is in every trial, using it to shape us, strengthen us, and make us more like Christ. The context of James gives us this assurance… trials are temporary, but the work they produce in us is eternal.

As you go through the various trials of your life, remember that God is with you. In Jesus’ name, you can face every challenge with faith, knowing that the tested genuineness of your faith will bring you great joy in the fullness of His kingdom.

So, when you face trials of any kind, count it all joy. God is working in you a good work that will have its full effect in His time. Trust in His hand, and know that in Him, you’ll be made complete.