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James 1:2 NLT

'Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.'

In the last ‘Be Still & Know’ I wrote of perspective; the way we perceive and subsequently engage in life. Much of that is a product of who we are, and each of us is different. For years I showed up in my evangelical charismatic church as an outgoing, socially interactive people-lover. However, I am by nature an introvert who draws strength from my own company more than from the company of others. So for years I was worshipping in the wrong context, where my behaviour was an act; one that was honest and lived out with integrity, but not truly the person I was created to be. Discovering who we are is essential in making progress in the way of God.

James’ instruction to count all tribulation as joy sounds counterintuitive. It’s as if when I bang my finger with a hammer I am to say “hallelujah” rather than “ouch”! Yet, James invites us to see tribulation in its true perspective. If the core purpose of my humanity is to grow into maturity in Christ, and if I’m a slave of Christ, my life’s journey is all about discovering more of God. The route will in many ways be determined by the person I am, my personality type, for example, but a path there will be. The challenge is in discovering and then agreeing that life is about this maturing process. This creates my perspective, how I see myself, God and the context within which I live.

Here I can find joy, where joy is defined as the prospect of possessing what I desire. Joy can be present and future tense. The difficulties arise when I only want it in the present tense. God invites me to consider living very present in the substance of my life, yet with a future focus. This determines my perspective and gifts me the ability to pass through tribulation.

QUESTION: How well do you know your own personality and character?

PRAYER: Everything is an opportunity to learn to become more like you. What a joy and privilege. Thank you.