James gives us a recipe for peace, wisdom, and joy in the Lord. Let's hear and obey.

First, in the trial, consider it great joy, knowing that the trial works patient endurance. Vs2-3, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” We rely on God and see him better, when our faith is tested. We get better views of His faithfulness, as He guided us through the danger. He'll pull us through, so do not panic, as if His word is untrustworthy, His care is absent, and His power is lacking. We will make it! Mark 4:40, Then He said to them, “Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?”

God has UNQUESTIONED CHARACTER. He's absolutely faithful. Knowing His tenderness and provision… knowing His utter goodness… rely on Him during the storm, like Peter walking on water. Honor Him in the trial, and see His goodness.

Steadiness of mind, peace of heart, and resilience of character glorify God in the storm. Suffer faithfully by knowing that He walks upon the raging sea and rules the troubles. Receive every event from the hand of your loving Father.

We haven't been called to panic. Trust Him when there is little light, as well as when there's much. Nothing has changed, except your ability to see. We are still cared for, still loved, and the promises are certain. This week a few asked me about perseverance with anxiety on their mind. Dear saints, it's guaranteed! Trust your Captain. He cares for you, and His grace is sufficient. The end will be confidence in God!

Secondly, ask God for wisdom, if you need it. Vs5, "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him."

God gives wisdom abundantly, and He does not refuse the ignorant. Even if we've played the fool, He'll guide us with the right steps now. He's a God who hears prayer. Psalms 65:2, "All humanity will come to You, the One who hears prayer."

Ask Him confidently. Don't pray as if He doesn't listen. Don't grow impatient! He'll answer. He knows we have no wisdom. He knows we'll mess it up, and we need direction. The blood of His dear Son has earned the access, so use it! Prayer is the hand that feeds the hungry soul. God's grace is already on the table. Fetch it to your mouth!

Thirdly, boast in God, no matter your condition. James 1:9-11, "The brother of humble circumstances should boast in his exaltation, but the one who is rich should boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will wither away while pursuing his activities."

If poor, then boast in heaven and the riches of your inheritance. Boast in HOW RICH YOU ARE through Christ. If rich, then boast in God saving you, a mere maggot soon to perish from the earth. Boast in His mercy to a fading flower, a mere nobody in comparison to God and eternity. No matter what, glory only in the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24, "This is what the Lord says: The wise man must not boast in his wisdom; the strong man must not boast in his strength; the wealthy man must not boast in his wealth. But the one who boasts should boast in this, that he understands and knows Me— that I am Yahweh, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things. This is the Lord’s declaration."

James levels the playing field, so none complain and none are proud. He wants us in pure joy! Doing these things will bring us happiness. Don't only hear them!