I am rejoicing with an inexpressible and glorious joy in Jesus Christ.

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 1:8, BSB- “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,’

The joy of Jesus Christ is beyond our human capabilities and feelings.  Simon Peter wrote 1 Peter to believers being persecuted and exiled for their belief in Jesus Christ. We may not be exiled in the same sense as these Christians back in the years of 1 Peter, but politically and socially we are beginning to witness the persecution of the followers of Christ.

However, we can find reasons to rejoice as Peter instructed in 1 Peter 1:6, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” (NIV)

1 Peter 1:3-4 are still the pathways to hope and joy; “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,” (NIV)

Looking to heaven we come to know 1 Peter 1:8 “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,” (BSB)

Regardless of what is happening today we do know joy because we have found the salvation of our souls as promised in 1 Peter 1:9. The Holy Spirit was sent to us from heaven to remind us of the gospel of Jesus Christ so that we know a joy and glory beyond the flesh.

As 1 Peter 1:14 instructs us, we must live as God’s obedient children and stay away from the ignorance of this world. We are to seek the holiness of Jesus. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16, NLT)

Ok, so none of us are holy, are we? We should, however, do our best to do good and  follow the steps of Jesus as we are instructed in 1 Peter 2:21. 1 Peter 3:8 also teaches, “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude.” (NLT)

I understand that Peter and his brothers and sisters did not have to resist social media comments but 1 Peter 3:9 still stands “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (NIV)

We need to pray daily for the Holy Spirit to help us live out 1 Peter 3:11 “They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.” NIV) We can and must turn away from what comes naturally to us and live 1 Peter 4:2 “As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (NIV)

No matter what we face let us remember 1 Peter 4:16- “But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!” (NLT) When we praise God we come to know an inexpressible and glorious joy.

Do you know God’s joy?

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus and His apostles. I am praising You and Your Son, and it is here that I find Your Spirit of joy. In You LORD, I do pray to live as Christ lived. Help me to turn from evil and do good. Help me to be humble with all others and to share Your inexpressible joy and love. In the name of Jesus we do pray, Amen.