Joy in Trials

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when when you encounter various trials," James 1:2 (NAS)

That's not really what I'm good at.  The Lord tells us to though, so here's how I work at it.

Pray first.  God already knows what's happening anyway, even if that includes me feeling upset with Him, so I might as well talk with Him about it.

Talk to somebody.  God is always there for us, and He gave us each other too.  While I'm at it, I might find someone in a similar situation to mine, or a more difficult one, and we can pray together, work together, or commiserate together.  Commiserating can be overdone though, and needs to be tempered with hope and gratitude.  A helpful conversation will end on an encouraging note.

Keep working.  Whatever is transpiring in my corner, the rest of the world goes on, and I need to go on with it.  There's a measure of joy in accomplishment.

Rest as needed.  Working can be overdone too.  Nobody needs preexisting trials exacerbated by burnout, resentment, or illness resulting from taking on too much.

Be thankful.  There are always more blessings than troubles.

"Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones,

And give thanks to His holy name.

For His anger is but for a moment,

His favor is for a lifetime;

Weeping may last for the night,

But a shout of joy comes in the morning."  Psalm 30:4-5 (NAS)

Keep your chin up.

How do you consider it all joy when you encounter various trials?