When we face trials, we have the tendency to think, we are going through trials because God is distant. Or when we are facing trials we think — not only is God distant, but we must not be God’s people if we are facing hardships. This isn’t true. We have all faced trials and it’s easy to wonder if God is near. He is near and He does care and will use your trials for His redemptive purposes in your life. We count it as joy because we are already loved by Him — already a part of God’s family.