Joy.

I chose joy as my word of the year back in early January, and, goodness, the world has sure looked different than I think any of us ever expected coming into 2020. We’ve witnessed a pandemic, stay-at-home orders and shutdowns, sweeping unemployment, brutal murders, peaceful protests, terrifying riots, and political division (to put it lightly).

I chose joy because of my own internal circumstance—hormones, lack of sleep, self-doubt, anger, and anxiety. I chose joy thinking of my physical and mental states. I had no idea what would soon be happening all around me.

Can I still experience joy when the world feels like it’s falling apart?

As a believer in Jesus Christ, the answer is yes. It’s not an easy answer, but it is a simple one. Christ provides joy in all circumstances, trials, and tests. He provides hope in the situations that feel beyond hopeless. He offers rest for our weary souls and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

The big question is whether we believe that.

Here’s what James had to say:

A little background: James is the half-brother of Jesus. He was with Jesus for most of their lives, but he was skeptical of His ministry. After seeing his brother die and then seeing the resurrected Christ, James became a strong believer, disciple, and pillar of the church. He also was martyred for his faith.

So James understands the testing of his faith. He understands trials and persecution. He was living in the time of Jesus, and he was one of the very first disciples of our Lord at a time when people weren’t exactly super friendly toward Christianity. Sound familiar?

James tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds. The testing of our faith produces perseverance. I often have to repeat that to myself and meditate on it—and still the wonder of this truth continues to awe me.

Can I have joy when:

• COVID runs rampant

• Business shut down

• The economy tanks

• I lose my job

• I feel depressed or anxious

• I have to home-school my kids

• All mom’s groups are called off

• My marriage is falling apart

• My retirement account looks bleak

• My wedding is postponed

• The long-awaited vacation is cancelled

• A friendship falls apart

• A loved one receives a diagnosis

• The pregnancy test is negative, again, after months of trying

• Riots continue throughout the country

• Church is still online only

• My friend is far from God

• And I am exhausted, frustrated, sad, angry, overwhelmed, all of the above?

Can you have joy in the midst of this? These situations are all very real. They’re just a sample of the circumstances affecting either myself or the people around me. They’re all difficult and anxiety-inducing. They all require us to put on the armor of God and trust that He will go to battle on our behalf.

I am continually learning how to have joy in all circumstances. God keeps pressing “joy” upon my heart, reminding me of my word for 2020 and all that He promises to do in His Word.

He is faithful.

He is righteous.

He is merciful.

He is just.

He can be trusted, always. We need more of Him and less of ourselves. Humble yourself and exalt the Lord. Put things in their right order in light of eternity, and the troubles here on earth won’t seem quite so terrifying.

I have to preach this to myself on pretty much a daily basis. I read the Bible, pray, talk with my fellow believers, listen to encouraging podcasts and sermons, and remind myself of the joy I have in God. It is the greatest gift. I’m asking God to cultivate this fruit within me, every day, no matter what circumstances I’m facing.