Peter, in his first epistle, addresses people who because of their commitment to Christ are suffering various trials and rejection by their fellowmen, with such opposition that in 4:12 he refers to it as a “fiery trial”. Yet in spite of all this Peter takes note of, and thus encourages them to continue in their great rejoicing! How ridiculous is this, rejoicing under such trials and pressure! Ah, great rejoicing because the children of God know these present trials are not the end, for in Christ they have a future, and a Savior, though He is not presently seen with physical eyes, but in verse 8 of the first chapter Peter writes, “yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.” Indeed the joy of Jesus Himself was not based on His present circumstances in this world as Hebrews 12:2 tells us that He “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame…” And guess what, He desires that His joy would also be our joy; He taught the disciples the truths of God saying, “that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” John 15:11. Remember God has thoughts toward His people, He says they are, “thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” Jeremiah 29:11. This joy and this peace come from God as we “abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 15:11. Won’t you commit your life to Him today?
Exceedingly Joyful
By Rose Hill
What is the cause for this exceeding joy,
When there are so many things to annoy?
Our life is full of distress and trials,
And many temptations and self denials.
I tell you why we are exceedingly glad,
And have no reason to be distressed and sad.
We have and inheritance that won’t go away,
It’s beyond the reach of change and decay.
It’s reserved in heaven by God’s power,
To be revealed to us in the last hour.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission