Pure Joy

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… - Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

The word “joy” occurs 218 times in the Bible (NIV). The phrase “the joy of the Lord” suggests that Christ-followers can experience joy because of the Lord, even if circumstances are not joyful.

James 1:2 reads, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. Surely James could not have had sports scenarios in mind when he wrote, consider it pure joy. This could be when an official consistently misses calls favoring the other team, or when a coach gives more playing time to a teammate who doesn’t work as hard as you do or isn’t as skilled as you are. It could be when an opponent fouls hard or grabs your jersey, James could not be asking you to consider that pure joy. And if he is, why would he do that?

Before we go to the possible “whys,” let’s be clear about what it might mean to consider it pure joy. When God’s Spirit inspired James to write this encouragement to believers, I don’t think He meant that all circumstances would be full of joy or happiness. However, for reasons we will soon see, followers of the risen Lord can consider difficult trials, even in sports, to be pure joy – even if we would not choose these circumstances.

Why might God encourage His followers to consider it pure joy when facing opposition?

1. The context of our verse in James suggests a “why.” Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:3-4). Just like facing tough opposition in your sport can cause you to improve, trials in life can help us become mature and complete, not lacking anything. Rather than viewing our trials in life or sport as negative, we can consider them pure joy and ask God to help us grow more mature in our faith.

2. 2 Corinthians 4:17 reads, For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us a glory that far outweighs them all. This means that the trials we face on earth can lead to greater glory for eternity. This “why” leads to a good ministry tagline, “Playing For Eternity.” ;-)

3. When believers consider it pure joy in the face of opposition, especially if it is unjust, it can significantly impact all who are watching (teammates/training partners, opponents, officials, and spectators). 1 Peter 3:15 encourages believers to be ready to tell others about their hope; this was written to Christians who were suffering unjustly. When people see Christian athletes live out their faith, they notice and want to know more about their hope, especially when they see pure joy amid opposition.

A believer’s Joy is not dependent upon circumstances. Their Joy does not come from what they have, but from what they are; not from where they are, but from Whose they are; not from what they enjoy, but from that which was suffered for them by their Lord. - Charles Spurgeon

Training Exercise

1. What areas in your life/sport are you finding it difficult to have joy?
2. What are specific things you can do to consider it pure joy as you go through these difficult situations?
3. By taking this “pure joy” attitude into an area of your life that’s been difficult, how might it impact and influence the unbelievers watching?