In keeping with the same theme of trials, and enduring those trials, James uses some figurative language to highlight that which is truly important in life.
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: (Jam. 1:9)
Why? This seems like a bit of a strange thing to say given the type of person James is speaking of here. During this period of time most Jews had fallen into economic hardship. Poverty to western culture may not seem terrible given all that governments do to help out, but the Roman empire had no such social programs. Life was more akin to the poverty that is found in parts of Asia and Africa. So why does James tell these Christians to rejoice despite their suffering? Because they are already rich.
They are rich because they have the precious life of Christ within them. You see there is not a single person living who, when presented with eternity in hell, would not give up all their earthly possessions for one more day of life. As Christians we are wealthy beyond measure because despite our economic position here on Earth we will one day be part of the Glory that awaits us in Heaven. No matter how poor our health is during life, we will be given perfect bodies with which to worship our creator for eternity.
Sometimes it is easy to let social and economic hardship lead us into thoughts of depression and despair. However, we ought to rejoice because God has taken away those comforts that can be deceiving (Mat. 13:22), causing us to blend in with the world rather than stand out. The suffering that brings us closer to dependence on God is our wealth (1 Pet. 1:7). Sometimes we do not know that God is all we need, until He is all we have.
