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Life can often be like a box of tangled up Christmas lights; messy and difficult, especially around the holidays.

Relationships, finances, emotional and mental health, physical health – can all tangle together and present many trials. and challenges stored up in a tote that we call “life.”

James chapter one gives us some help as we approach these difficult and messy circumstances.

He says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. :et perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James is not telling us that we can be happy or should be happy in every circumstance and trial that comes our way.

We were created by God to experience the whole realm of human emotion – that’s happiness as well as sadness.

What James is encouraging us to do is look beyond our present trials and challenges to the joy that our faith is being developed and grown.

If we look at this tote of tangled up lights as an opportunity for God to work in us and through us, we can look at it with joy.

James goes on to give us some insight in how we can better manage these trials and challenges. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Here, James is telling us that as we try to untangle the messiness of our life, we have a God that we can call on to provide wisdom and guidance as we work through it.

We don’t have to do it alone. So this holiday season, as you approach the many areas of your life that may feel tangled, challenged, and difficult – please remember God is patiently waiting for you to reach out to Him. And ask for wisdom and guidance as you persevere to a mature and complete faith.

Merry Christmas and God bless.