Joy in Trials

Trials come in many forms. Sickness. Strained relationships. School struggles. Not making the team. Miscarriage. Marital strife. Parenting challenges. Death. Transitions. Loneliness. Rejection. Not sleeping. Feeling anxious. Allergies. Lack of motivation, etc…

Every month from age twelve until recently, I wrestled with big emotions that were difficult to control, days of aching breasts, and a day-long headache. Within 24 hours of the headache, I experienced cramps that had me doubled over, crying, and searching for relief. Some months I could barely function.

The piercing, physical pain of womanhood was awful, but it wasn’t the worst part.

I felt horrible about my wretched thoughts and out of control emotions that preceded the physical discomfort. 

I felt stupid for crying over things that other times would not be a big deal.

I felt like a bad Christian for being judgmental, critical, easily irritated, and lashing out in anger. 

My mom helped me figure out that my moodiness had a monthly pattern connected to my period. Many years passed, however, before I realized my monthly trials could work for my good, rather than triggering me to complain and bad-mouth Eve for eating the fruit. 

Something shifted when I confessed my emotional struggle to a mature sister in Christ and pleaded for prayer.  I began to embrace my hormonal discomfort as an invitation to acknowledge my weakness and need for God’s grace. 

My prayer life grew. God’s Word worked its way deeper into my heart and mind. My relationship with God got stronger.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

James 1:2-4 NIV

These results were answers to my prayer that I would love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and love my neighbor as myself AND live out these words: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV.

As I began to look to God, call out to Him, shift from grumbling to praying, and declare the truths of God’s word, my mind was renewed (Romans 12:1-2), and I became more rooted and established in God’s love (Ephesians 3:17).

I learned to spend time with God in different ways, allowing Scripture, creation, and His Spirit to speak to me. My connection to God deepened as I wrote out Bible verses, reflections, thanksgivings, and prayers, revisiting them when times got hard.

What a blessing it is to be in God’s presence. He is with us always. We can speak to Him in our thoughts, out loud, in writing, drawing, movement, or song.

Here are some suggestions to draw near to God so that you can “consider it pure joy” when you face trials of many kinds:

1. Share your thoughts and feelings with God

2. Say what you know to be true about Him and praise Him

3. Ask Him to search you and know your heart (Psalm 139:23-24)

4. Confess your sin and receive His forgiveness

5. Call out to Him for help and wisdom

6. Write down His Truths from the Bible and speak them aloud

7. Give thanks to Him

   
   

When facing trials, you, too, can go back to your writings, recall God’s faithfulness, and experience joy in Him.

🌿 Reflection

• What trial are you currently walking through—and what emotions does it stir up in you?

• What fears or doubts is this trial exposing? What truths from Scripture speak louder than those fears? 📖

• What would need to shift in your perspective for you to truly “consider it joy”? 💛

• How might God be using this trial not only for your growth, but to encourage someone else?

🙏 Prayer

God of hope, fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in You, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NIV).

Help me consider it pure joy when I face trials of many kinds, because the testing of my faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work in me so that I may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2–4 NIV).

When my perspective feels clouded, renew my mind. When my strength feels small, be my strength. Teach me to see beyond the pain to the purpose You are working out in me. Grow in me a steady faith, a deep-rooted joy, and an unshakable hope.

Thank You that You who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6 NIV). You are so faithful!  Glory be to You. 

In Jesus’ name, amen. ✨