To trial or not to trial??

^"2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4. Pure joy. What exactly does that mean? Pure- free from anything of a different, inferior, or a contaminating kind. Joy-a state of happiness. We are to consider it happiness, free of anything else, when we face trials. Why? Well, the writer goes on to tell us that it is because we know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. So then what is perseverance? Steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc. especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. Ever feel aimless? Like you a looking for a purpose or at least something greater than yourself. I sometimes do. I don't think when I was younger I would consider facing trials "pure joy" or that perseverance was something I longed for. There are times when life seems to fall lockstep behind us. Everything is coming easy and without trial or trouble. Then there are the trials. It doesn't mean that we are or have done something wrong or stepped out of line. It's in those times God is trying to do something with us or for us or prepare us for something else. The key to remember is that as His child, He is with us. He promises to never leave nor forsake us. What a great promise. No matter where we are, who we are with and regardless of having support of one kind or another, He is there. I am grateful. Grateful for all He's done and is doing in my life. I want to be aware of all He is doing in my "circle" of influence here and abroad. My prayer is that no matter what happens in your life and whatever comes your way that you would know there is a God, He knows all about you before you even open your mouth and say a word and wants you to know Him.