READING: 2 Cor. 4:13:18
Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice … receiving the end of your faith -the salvation of your souls. – 1 Pet. 1: 8,9
Peter writes here that living faith is remarkable. It is from God, through God, and for God (Romans 11:36). Living faith is given and strengthened by God, and it also focuses on God. Precisely for this reason, there is reason for great joy, joy in the Lord God and in Christ. But how can that be when you do not see Jesus now? Peter has seen Christ and believed in Him. He has loved Him. However, that is not the case for the churches to whom he writes. They have received faith through which they now love Him. Even though He is in heaven and they do not see Him they believe in Him.
So, both Peter and the churches have every reason to experience inexpressible joy. It is not just an emotional release that lasts for a moment. No, this joy runs deep. Moreover, it is a gift from God, which He pours into your heart when you place your trust in Him. It is a fruit of the Spirit, as Gal. 5:22 calls it.
That joy exists because of your faith in Him, even though you do not see Him. Thus, there is not only sorrow during trials, but also more importantly great joy because of who God is and who His Son is.
That joy is even inexpressible and glorious. It concerns things that are heavenly and eternal, and so glorious that words cannot describe it. Yes, even now, there is a heavenly radiance over our joy in the Lord as this joy is also related to the end goal (verse 9)- our salvation. That joy is based on the complete deliverance from all your sin and corruption; the complete deliverance from all sickness and disease; the complete deliverance from all sorrow and oppression, and eternal glory on the last day.
What experience do you have of that glorious joy?
Singing: Ps. 73:8