Today’s Reading: James 1:1-8; Psalm 31

Around the time of Paul’s first missionary journey, followers of Jesus began writing letters to the believers scattered across the region. James, the brother of Jesus, wrote a short letter packed full of inspiration for us today. It is one of my favorite books of the Bible.

James opens up his letter with a short introduction of himself. Have you ever had to introduce yourself or have you been asked to write your own bio? It is not easy to do. Out of all the different ways James could have described himself, he chose slave or servant (1:1). Not brother, not blood relative, not childhood playmate — James humbly chose the word servant.

My heart resonates with James’ description of himself. I desire to be completely sold-out to God — a servant willing to do whatever God asks of me. I choose to recognize Jesus as my Lord or my Master, not just my Christ or my Savior. I recognize that it is through his blood that I kneel before him forgiven; I acknowledge that the hope and peace I have are precious gifts from God Himself.

What about you? Can you relate to these gifts or do hope and peace seem just out of reach for you? James goes on to give us great advice for those toughest moments in life: when trouble comes your way, when your faith is tested, when you need wisdom, and when you start to doubt.

WHEN TROUBLE COMES YOUR WAY

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. – James 1:2

Wow! James is saying that, when trouble comes my way, I should consider it an opportunity for great joy. When things are going wrong, I should consider it an “opportunity” and not a burden. When problems are unresolved, I should look at the good that can come from it instead of dwelling on the trouble it is creating. I would be wise to soak in these words of wisdom this morning.

WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So LET IT GROW, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. – James 1:3-4

An opportunity…a chance…needing nothing. When it seems like all is going wrong and my faith is being tested, I can focus on the positive — I can trust that something good can come of this difficulty. I can see my circumstances as an opportunity to build endurance or perseverance. And when endurance is fully developed, when I am growing fully in Christ, I can rest in the knowledge that my life is perfect (all that God intended it to be).

WHEN YOU NEED WISDOM

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. – James 1:5-8

Sometimes I lack wisdom. Sometimes the way I handle a situation causes me to regret my actions before the day is even over — sometimes before the words are even out of my mouth. Apologies are made and I seek God for forgiveness. Because the Lord is generous, He hears my cry for wisdom and He answers it. He forgives me and is willing to give me wisdom, if only I will ask for it.

WHEN YOU START TO DOUBT

The problem is that my lack of wisdom yesterday can cause me to doubt today. Have you been there? I find myself discouraged that I have once again blown it. I begin to wonder if I will ever get it right. It is in those moments that I need to remember where my help comes from (Psalm 121:1-2); I need God’s grace to heal my imperfect submission to a perfect God.

When I am so sick of myself and so frustrated that I am not getting it right (again), I can take all that I am (as pitiful as it may be) to all that He is (holy, righteous and good). He can transform me into the person He needs me to be, giving me the wisdom I need to grow up fully in Him. I can ask my GENEROUS God for wisdom, in absolute confidence that He will give it to me.

Here I am again, Lord, looking back at yesterday, discouraged that I am not as mature as I long to be. I am reminded this morning by your brother, James, that you will give me what I need. Lord, I need wisdom. I ask for you to empty me of all that is me, and fill me with all that is you. Generous God, please give me your wisdom and continue to grow me so that I can be ALL that You intend for me to be. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for continuing to work on me, building patient endurance each time my faith is tested. I choose to LET IT GROW. Amen.

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
Sing praises to the Lord who reigns in Jerusalem.
Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds. – Psalm 9:9-11

How great is the goodness
you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
blessing them before the watching world.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
safe from those who conspire against them.
You shelter them in your presence,
far from accusing tongues. – Psalm 31:19-20