December 1

James 1

Some trials come into a Christian’s life to bring that individual to spiritual maturity.

INSIGHT

When we read “count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (v. 2), we can mentally assent to the wisdom of that. But in real life, when the duration and intensity of our trials goes beyond what we deem to be reasonable, we pass the point of caring. We begin to question the goodness of God. We question the rationality of the Christian life. We just want relief. By the grace of God we must accept that we are finally experiencing what James is talking about. Take courage. Be strong. God has not forgotten you. And as He is testing you, you will become spiritually mature – though you probably will perceive the growth only in retrospect.

PRAYER

Offer your praise to the God of love:
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the Lord is the great God,
And the great King above all gods (Psalm 95:1-3).

Pause for praise and adoration.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:5-6).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
(Romans 8:29-30)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater wisdom for living
• Needs of your immediate family
• Your activities for the day

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen (Jude 25).