By: Shara Garcia
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. -James 1:2-3
As we start a new year, let’s choose true joy, Jesus Over Your 2024
About the Scripture
There are so many translations of this passage, and honestly, I still haven’t found one that really sits well with me.
"Count it all joy."
"Consider it an opportunity for great joy."
"Consider it pure joy."
"Consider it nothing but joy."
But let’s be real—why would I want to see trials, struggles, or testing of my faith as something joyful? James, the author of this seemingly impossible verse, isn’t asking us to look at our trials and feel joy in the moment. Instead, he’s inviting us to view them through the lens of the outcome God will bring about through them: perseverance, endurance, and patience. The original Greek word here is hupomone—hupo meaning "under," and meno meaning "to stay" or "remain." Trials and joy can coexist because, when we face them with faith, they produce endurance—the ability to remain under—and that’s how we grow, becoming “mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:4)”
My Story
The pediatric cardiologist slid the box of tissues across the table—not for tears of joy, but tears of heartbreak. Considering our baby’s complex heart defect as an opportunity for joy wasn’t even on my radar. Instead, I considered whether I’d even get to hold him before he was rushed to the NICU. I considered the long months we might spend in the NICU, separated from our older two kids at home. I considered every possibility—the worst-case scenarios, the best-case outcomes, and everything in between.
If endurance—“hupomone”—means staying under a heavy load without trying to escape, I didn’t want it. What I wanted was for an ultrasound to reveal a miracle: a perfectly healed heart. That would be an opportunity for joy! The thought of enduring weekly doctor’s appointments, answering the endless “how are you?” questions, and facing the unknown felt unbearable.
One sleepless night, scrolling through apps on my phone, I opened my Bible app and landed on Psalm 121. It says, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” What stood out to me was God’s position—over us. It’s so easy to look around and only see the overwhelming trial in front of us, but Psalm 121 reminds us that when we look up, we see God above it all.
I didn’t have to remain under the weight of the load just to endure; I got to remain under the weight of the One who is carrying it for me. On our own, we’re crushed by the weight of our trials, but in Jesus—our refuge and strength—we find joy. When we choose to actively remain under Jesus in faith, we not only receive endurance but also experience joy.
JOY: Jesus Over Your… circumstance, your child’s medical diagnosis, your NICU stay. Jesus Over Your depression, anxiety, frustrations, and fears. Jesus Over Your cancer diagnosis, miscarriage, high-risk pregnancy, or loss.
Whatever your trial may be, joy is found when we remember that Jesus is over it—and us. A kind of joy that sparks laughter in hospital hallways, toasting Topo Chicos in waiting rooms, smiles through the tears, and opens the door to sharing God’s story with others walking through our own.
Reflection
As we step into the new year, many of us carry trials that feel impossible to bear. But we’re not called to carry the weight alone or strive for endurance on our own. We’re called to remain in faith, and faith comes from hearing God’s Word. This truth has been a lifeline for me, especially during some of my hardest moments. On the day of my son’s open heart surgery, it would have been easy to focus on the overwhelming sight of tubes, wires, and machines and forget to look up. But thankfully, I had a group chat of about 15 women sending me prayers, Bible verses, and words of encouragement. They reminded me of God’s character, promises, and His position over every trial.
While I can’t send you a flood of messages like that, I can point you to the One who offers more than just a text—He offers His Word.
Invitation
This year, I want to encourage you to stop staring at your trial and start staring at God. Spend time in Scripture—whether that’s reading a few verses, listening to it through an app, or reflecting on His promises. If you’re unsure where to begin, here are some verses to remind you of the person, promises, and position of God in the midst of your trials:
Person:Hebrews 12:1-3 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Promises:James 1:12 – "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Position:Psalm 121 – "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
Whatever you're facing—uncertainty, loss, or fear—choose to remain under Jesus. Let His Word remind you that He is over every trial, and in Him, you'll find true joy. This year, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, trusting He’s got us, no matter what comes our way.
Shara is a SoCal mother to three littles, pastor’s wife, youth pastor, and heart warrior mama. She understands the importance of biblical encouragement; especially when her third child was born with a complex CHD requiring open heart surgery. She volunteers in obedience to God's call to comfort others "with the comfort we ourselves received from God."
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