Love in Trials.

The Book of James has much to say about consistent Christian living. Keeping that in mind, when reading James chapter 1 we often tend to focus on James telling us to have joy in trials. That is vital in the midst of trials, but what stood out to me after reading this passage again last night was the ending of verse 12. James says, “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.” Trials challenge our hearts devotion. I can say I love the Lord prior to a trial. But can the same be said both during and after a trial? What about you? Is your love devoted and unwavering to God regardless of the circumstances that surround you? Or have you allowed the circumstance to turn your sights away from fully loving Him. This is why James reminds us in 1:13 to refrain from a mindset that leans towards blaming God. Failure to make wise decisions, failure to choose joy, failure to persevere, are all characteristics of one who’s heart may not be fully devoted to the Lord. God tells us in Jeremiah 17:10 that “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” So back to James 1:12, James tells us in the middle of this verse that the one who’s love is consistent towards the Lord in all circumstances, “will receive the crown of life.” In trials He tests our genuine hearts devotion for Him. Therefore, allow me to encourage each of us to practice devoting our hearts to Him prior to, during, and after trials. By doing so, we can anticipate receiving such a promise from Him. I pray that each of us will willingly choose a devoted heart for the Lord and His ways each and every day of our lives.
Practicing His Presence,
Nate
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Examples of a consistently devoted heart for the Lord:

• 1 Kings 8:61 (BSB) So let your heart be fully devoted to the LORD our God, as it is this day, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments.”
  • John 14:15 (NIV) “If you love me, keep my commands.
• 1 Kings 15:14 (BSB) The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days.
• 2 Kings 20:3 (NIV) “Remember, LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
• 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (NIV) If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Example of one who allowed life’s circumstances to temporarily turn his heart from the Lord: 

• 1 Kings 11:4 (NIV) As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.