Contemplative Bible Reading

James 1:2 (New Living Translation)

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

This is one of the more annoying verses in the Bible. How did God put it in here?

I suppose I am to put the emphasis on the word opportunity. That way I don’t have to be joyous in times of trouble. I just have to look for the opportunity to be joyous.

This year, this Fall, we in the US have the Trump vs. Clinton “presidential” race. Joy? Nope. Opportunity? I’m still searching for that. God, help me to find the opportunity. As usual, help me in my unbelief.