"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations..." (James 1:2)

Have you noticed that people who always talk about their problems remain on the same spot, while those who are joyful live as though they have no problems? Life is not about what happens to you but how you react or respond to what happens to you. We all have problems and encounter challenges in life. As a matter of fact if there were no challenges, life would be stagnant. If there were no hurdles to cross there would be no attainments in life. It is your reaction to challenges and trials that determine your outcome in life. Staying joyful is a major key in victorious living. It is an invisible motivator. Whatever steals your joy has defeated you.

You can stay joyful despite challenges and trials. How? "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice" (Phil 4:4). Joy is the key to enjoying life. Joy will always bring enjoyment. There is no situation you cannot survive in life if you are joyous. Joy is the tonic of life. James 1:2 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations..." Even when you are faced with challenges, rejoice! Count it all joy because verse 3 says, "...The trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." When you rejoice in the face of challenges, your ultimate outcome is perfection.

Whatever you are going through now is only a passage. Passages lead to destinations. Challenges bring change. Even if your present situation appears like you are in the belly of a fish, count it all joy because deliverance is coming. The reason many people are not joyful is because they concentrate and focus too much on what is happening to them. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says that our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (NIV). Challenges are temporal. Looking at where you are now is only a waste of time. Look at where you are going, get excited about your future. All things are working together for your good (Romans 8:28). So, "Rejoice evermore!" (1 Thessalonians 5:16).