Yesterday I said that James and I have differing views of experiencing “various trials” with great joy. While I might disagree initially with James (and that is only initially), I certainly agree with Peter’s “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” [KJV]
I like the way the Holman Christian Standard Bible translates it. “You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy.” [1 Peter 1:8 HCSB]
Joy! is often inexpressible, but oh, how glorious it is when we find it resident in our hearts in every and all circumstance!
It is difficult for those who do not know Christ Jesus to understand the kind of joy we have. As Peter reminds us, we have not seen Christ Jesus face-to-face and still we love Him. We have placed our trust in Him, and that trust generates a Joy! that is beyond measure. That Joy! reaches down deep, it takes root, and it grows and blossoms into an unshakable faith that no matter the outward appearances, Christ Jesus is in control.
That, of course, makes no sense to the world. How can we know, deeply know, that Christ Jesus is in control amid things that seem so out of control? It might not make sense to the world, but it certainly makes absolute sense to us. God has a purpose and a plan, and God has the authority and power over His creation to do exactly what He purposes and plans. That holds true for our individual lives as well as for this world.
And one day, this One we love so much now, this One we have not yet seen face-to-face will come for His own. Then our Joy! shall be forever in the light of His Glory and Grace. Amen & Amen, Come quickly, LORD Jesus!
