Why can we 'count it all joy' (James 1:2)?

TL;DR:

The reason we can count our trials as joy is because we know that God uses them to produce the fruit of steadfastness in our lives. He uses all things, even trials, for our good and His glory.

The phrase "count it all joy" is found in James 1:2, which says: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds." The word "count" is sometimes translated as "consider." We can count it all joy when we face trials and persecution because these experiences deepen our faith and bring us closer to Christ. Jesus assured us that suffering for righteousness’ sake leads to a great reward in heaven, reminding us that our ultimate hope is secure and untouched by earthly struggles (Matthew 5:10–12). While we may not struggle for righteousness’ sake—that is, even if we are not persecuted for our faith—we can struggle righteously, responding to difficulties of this life in a godly way. Believers can rejoice in suffering as it connects us with Christ’s own trials and strengthens us through the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 4:12–14). The apostles rejoiced in their suffering because it honored Christ and confirmed their commitment (Acts 5:41). Furthermore, trials refine our faith, leading to spiritual maturity and completeness (Romans 5:3–5; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:6–7).

from the old testament

The phrase to count it all joy is found in the New Testament.

from the new testament

Jesus says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:10–12). We can rejoice when we suffer for doing good because our reward is in heaven, and no one can take that away.
In 1 Peter 4:12–14, Peter encourages the believers by saying, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you." We can rejoice because suffering can point us to the One who lives in us and empowers us to persevere.
After being flogged and ordered not to speak in Jesus’ name, the apostles "left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" (Acts 5:41). Christ suffered unjustly, and we can suffer well too.
The broader context of the phrase “count it all joy” is this: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2–4). We can count it all joy because it is testing our faith and making it more mature so we lack nothing. We all continue to grow in Christlikeness as long as we are on this earth.
The apostle Peter explains, "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:6–7).

implications for today

Walking through challenges helps us to build character. If our faith were never tested, would it even be faith? In order to build our faith and our Christian character, we need to be in situations where we are required to put it into practice, to truly rely on God. Going through difficulties and learning how to trust God to help us walk through them develops spiritual stamina in us (Romans 5:2–5). This is cause for great joy. When we experience difficulties and trials in our lives, our natural default is to view them negatively. They can make us feel like we are being punished by God, hardly a cause for joy. However, when we view our trials through the lens of James 1:2, we see them as opportunities for us to grow into more mature believers because through them we are developing spiritual perseverance and genuine faith. When we see our trials from this perspective, we can truly count them all as joy. We can have joy in the journey, for we have the hope that God is walking with us and developing spiritual stamina within us in the midst of our trials.

understand

Trials develop perseverance, leading to spiritual maturity and completeness.
Suffering aligns us with Christ’s own sufferings, strengthening our faith and joy.
Suffering for righteousness' sake leads to great heavenly reward, giving us enduring hope and joy.

reflect

How have your trials helped you grow in faith and perseverance?
In what ways do your difficulties bring you closer to Christ?
How can you adjust your view of current or past hardships to see them as opportunities for joy?

engage

How does the apostles' joy in suffering (Acts 5:41) shape your understanding of enduring trials for Christ?
What does James 1:2–4 teach about trials leading to spiritual maturity, and how would taking it to heart impact our perspective on trials?
How does the promise of a heavenly reward influence your perspective on suffering?