Encouragement for Today
 | October 6, 2026 Count It All Joy |
Author of Count It All Joy
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3, ESV).
Joy. We find it meets us in a variety of ways. A beautiful sunset after a long day on the beach. A fresh-picked strawberry at the beginning of summer. A “welcome home” embrace after a long absence. A song that sings the words we cannot find. A delicious meal shared with loving friends.
Trials. They also meet us in a variety of ways. An unexpected loss that fills us with grief. A heartbreaking betrayal that produces distrust. A painful rejection that leaves us lonely. A financial distress that upends our family. A prodigal that we long to return home.
Joy and trials appear diametrically opposed to one another. How can something that produces such pain be counted as joy?
In his New Testament letter, James directs us to a knowing deeper than our circumstances — a well of truth in the midst of scorched seasons.
“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).
His words don’t imply or encourage an absence of grief, but they point us to a confidence in our understanding. When we experience trials, we grieve, yet we grieve with hope. We’re given eyes that see beyond the earthly realm into spiritual realities. God is always at work. No pain that touches our lives enters without His greater purpose in view. In our weakest, most heart-wrenching moments, God is somehow making us stronger, producing steadfastness of soul.
Trials often leave us feeling empty, lacking, incomplete. Somehow, in His divine providence, the Lord takes our emptiness and creates a fullness: He makes us “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4). We may not be given the details of how or why He is at work, but we are promised the outcome. The various trials that may appear to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10) will be worked, in some miraculous way, for our good (Romans 8:28).
In view of His promises and His character, we can count it joy when we endure various trials. Not because of how we feel but because of who we know. Our tender Father sent His Son to rescue us from our greatest trial — separation from God because of sin. We can trust that in all things, He is working to bring us safely home. And, on that day, all tears will end, pain will cease, and death will be no more (Revelation 21:4). There will be no need to count it all joy, because sighing and sorrow will flee and everlasting joy will be ours.
Oh God, in my hardships and trials today, I cry out to You. Be my help, my shelter, my rock. Protect me and shield me, and in Your mercy bring relief. In the sorrow and struggle, I count it all joy, knowing You are at work. Make me steadfast, perfect, and complete. I trust You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
For a warm and whimsical way to talk with children about how to count it all joy in various trials, grab a copy of Melissa B. Kruger’s book Count It All Joy.
ENGAGE
To find out more about free downloads to go along with the book, visit Melissa’s website or follow her on Instagram.
Enter to WIN your very own copy of Count It All Joy by Melissa B. Kruger. To celebrate this book, Melissa’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, October 12, 2026.}
FOR DEEPER STUDY
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (ESV).
What hardships are you facing today? In what ways can you pray without ceasing as you go about your day?
What are you thankful for today? Write out some specific ways you see the Lord at work in your life. Share with us in the comments!
© 2026 by Melissa B. Kruger. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Harvest House Publishers for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.
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