Pure JOY! (part 1)

In elementary school, I memorized this passage (James 1), but it wasn’t until recently that I realized the implications of the verse:

 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

 Pure- unmixed, genuine, authentic, real, transparent, unadulterated, complete

Whenever- no matter when

Trials- “something that breaks the pattern of peace, comfort, joy, and happiness” (The MacArthur Study Bible); “the act of trying, testing or putting to the proof” (Dictionary.com)

Perseverance- endurance; patience

“The natural human response to trials is not to rejoice; therefore [followers of Christ] must make a conscious commitment to face them with joy.” (MacArthur Study Bible Notes)  In other words, our JOY should exist, unrelated to the circumstances of life. Yikes!

However, I can’t read these verses and not ask myself,  

“Is this practical?Is this crazy talk? Is it even possible to breathe, after experiencing a terrible tragedy?”