Is it possible to have JOY in a pandemic?

Is it possible to find Joy in the middle of this pandemic? 

We are going through some crazy times. Right? The coronavirus pandemic is creating havoc all around the world in so many ways. It seems for every person there’s a unique set of challenges. For some it’s financial, a job loss without warning or savings. For others, it’s health, maybe even death or death of a loved one. Those still working are trying to figure out how to watch kids and be on a conference call at the same time. There are as many responses as there are challenges. Some folks roll with the punches. Others, complain and blame. 

In the middle of it all, there are some who seem to be thriving in spite of what’s going on. At first glance, it seems like they have somehow managed to escape the chaos, but a closer look reveals something different. These people are experiencing similar challenges. Some have suffered greatly.  Yet, they press on with confidence. How is that possible? Is it possible for me?

James 1 instructs us to count it all joy whenever we face trials of all kinds. The purest joy, a joy that cannot be found in the things of this world, but only in Christ, sprouts up in the midst of our trials. It doesn’t happen automatically. It happens when we put our faith to the test, digging in and persevering, until we become complete not lacking anything. This is God’s will for us.      

Let’s join together to persevere during these days of trail and experience the purest Joy.