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Be joy finders even in times of trouble

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that all the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

- James 1:2 (NIV).

While we're trying to make our lives happen, things seem to get in our way.

Some are big things; others are usual problems of life that go from mole hills to mountains when we let them control our thoughts.

Medical problems, job losses, relationship issues and family quarrels are some of things that threaten our dreams and stability. My friend always says we must be joy finders in life, especially when trials of life tend to threaten our joy.

A quote from Alfred d' Sousa says, "For a long time, it had seemed to me that life was about to begin, real life, but there was always an obstacle in the way, something to be gotten over first.

Unfinished business, still to be served, a debt to be paid, then life will begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

This revelation can shine light on life for us all. How many times have we said that when kids grow up, when I get out of debt, when I get the perfect job or this situation leaves, then life will be better.

Although these things may be true - I've experienced them, too - we have to learn to be stable in difficult times and not allow the joys in life to pass us by, regardless of our circumstances.

Jesus told us in Matthew 16:33, "In the world you have tribulation … be of good cheer … I have overcome the world."

Jesus extended joy, a fruit of the Spirit, to help us stabilize our emotions and choices in the challenging situations of life. God knew we would face troubling times in this world and gave us means to cope. Joy brings stability to our souls in times of difficulty.

Finding the joy isn't always easy, and sometimes we look in the wrong places. Simple joy is found in finding some way to help another. It is found by strength through prayer, in believing in something better, looking for a bright spot in each day, and pondering good things that God has done rather than focusing continually on our problems.

The apostle James instructed us to consider the trials of life pure joy because they can cause us to use our faith. The early Christians suffered many hardships in life and could have had a different outlook, but they were encouraged to be joy finders.

As joy finders, we can persevere and trust God to handle anything that comes our way as we maintain the joy of living.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Join her in Gurnee at Panera Bread Tuesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. Annettee can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.

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