James refers to trials in Verse 2 and how I should respond when facing trials. There are variety of trials I face each day and most are not huge overwhelming situations that leave me helpless to control. The daily trials for me mostly center around what attitude I choose to respond with as I consider the work load I am responsible to accomplish. Another trial I deal with daily is setting the right priorities. Does the stack of work on my desk come before spending time with God? It shouldn't, but often I allow the tyranny of the urgent to set my priorites. When this happens it becomes increasingly difficult to "Count it great joy" because my focus is not on God working through me to accomplish the work but rather on the work itself.

Spending time with God in His word prepares me for various trials that will come throughout my day. Little trial after little trial can lead me to frustration by the end of my day if my heart is not first connected with God. The work becomes disconnected mindless tasks when I focus on the tasks rather than what God is doing through me to meet a need. A heart of joy sees beyond what can feel like an injustice to me and places the emphasis on bringing help and hope to others in need.

James 1:2