Opportunity for Joy!! James 1:2-3

Good morning all!! I hope this is a great day in the Lord for each of you. Sundays are wonderful days to take time to rejoice in the Lord. What does James say? Okay. James 1:2-3 "DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, WHENEVER TROUBLE COMES YOUR WAY, LET IT BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR JOY. FOR WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED, YOUR ENDURANCE HAS A CHANCE TO GROW."
Joy comes from within and happiness comes from external circumstances. Many times God will take the opportunity to teach us joy through the troubles we have. We are tested during moments of grief or depression and this helps us to grow spiritually. We learn to rejoice through the Lord. We learn to rely on the Lord. We learn to leave everything in the Lord's hands.
As Bro Lou said, sometimes we have to be flat on our back before we look up to the Lord for help. Let us not only be happy with what goes on around us, but have internal joy from the growth within.
Are you growing or groaning? Take time to grow with Jesus and look up to our Heavenly Father and take time for Him. Thank you for reading. Have a great day in the Lord. Love you all. May your joy burst forth!!
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny