Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
The center point of maximum joy for any Christian is the reality of our salvation in Jesus Christ. Part of what makes life so challenging is we are faced with multiple opportunities for distraction from that truth. We can even begin the day with such great intention, to remain focused on all that Jesus has done, only to fall apart the instant we get cut off merging onto the freeway.
If you’re like me, quiet morning devotions on my couch, fresh coffee in hand is just about the best way to begin my day. But then curveballs come barging into my quiet place. The dog eats last night’s homework. Somebody in the house can’t find their shoes. And that precious cup of coffee goodness somehow spills all over my new rug. Joy… unplugged.
But I want you to reflect again on the words of the Apostle Peter in verses 8 and 9. This Jesus, Lord of your crazy days, has purchased for you a salvation by His blood that can never be rescinded. He has raised you out of darkness and brought you into His glorious light. He has secured for you a home in heaven and imparted His Holy Spirit to you in this life, to comfort, guide and empower you. You have a rich and precious salvation. Think of it! It’s almost impossible to describe the magnitude of it with English words.
That’s why Peter says the joy is inexpressible. That’s why the joy is filled with glory. When we keep circling back to the reality of our salvation—all those distractions notwithstanding—we see real life the way Jesus intended for us to live it: in glory-filled joy and awe.
Take a moment to reflect on the profound joy that comes from knowing and loving Jesus Christ. Consider how your faith in Him leads to a joy that surpasses words and radiates God’s glory. Just as the early Christians like Peter rejoiced in their salvation, you are called to rejoice in the hope and promise of eternal life in Christ today. And a challenging morning routine, or a road-raging driver on your commute can’t take it away.
The joy of your salvation is a gift from God, beyond human comprehension or explanation. So, treasure this joy that flows from our relationship with Jesus. Celebrate the gift of His love and grace in your life. And as you walk the everyday, ordinary course of your day in faith, may your heart overflow with joy that testifies to the goodness and faithfulness of your God.
Recall a recent moment when your focus on daily challenges or distractions overshadowed the joy of your salvation.
How can you remind yourself of the inexpressible joy and glory of your relationship with Jesus in those challenging moments?
What practical steps can you take to realign your perspective with the profound joy of your faith?