Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Jacob (James) 1:2-3, TLV

When those challenges and disasters arise, is our first response, “Yippee! Praise the LORD!”? Probably not. I know my natural inclination isn’t.

However, we aren’t confined to our natural dispositions. We have a choice. We can seek our Heavenly Father — the Creator of the Universe — for wisdom and comfort.

Will the joy arise then, maybe.

The joy truly arises, I believe when we reflect on what we have learned through those challenges. When we take the time to see His hand and miracles in the midst of it all.

Those reflections are so important. Taking the time to meditate on the goodness of the LORD and what He wants us to learn, helps us to grow and deepens our relationship with Him. And that’s worth being joyous over.