Ridiculous Joy

Ridiculous Joy

1 Peter 1:8, 9

Trials are that part of life we feel we can live without. However, God can use them to strengthen and mold us with our cooperation.

1 Peter 1:8 says: “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory”. Peter speaks of the immense love and inexpressible thrill we feel for our Lord Jesus Christ. He first loved us and we love and believe in Him even though we have not physically seen Him. We correctly anticipate the magnificent deliverance of our souls.

Such sentiments are nothing short of profound and inexpressibly filled with godly joy marking our deep, triumphant happiness because of our Lord’s grace and presence.  

How Does This Truth Enable Us to Conquer Trials? (1 Peter 1:8, 9)

The trails of life, though real and often painful, are not to defeat or discourage us. On the contrary, we are to regard them as steppingstones to becoming stronger in the Lord. But how do we do this? How can we conquer trails when they are so painful, devastating, destructive, disorienting, powerful, damaging, and threatening? Fortunately, our feelings don’t tell the entire story!

                A.  Conquer them by Our Love for Christ, Vs 8 “Whom having not seen ye love….” Because we love Christ, we obey him, we keep his commandments, turn away from temptations, and we walk with him through trails. True love does everything possible to show love and avoid hurting our beloved; in fact, when we love someone, we do our best to please them. I read something that said, ‘love is still the strongest force on earth.’ If this is true, then the most formidable power to overthrow our trails is ours.

In times of trails, reflect on how Christ saved you and forgave you and how greatly He suffered for our sin. He freely demonstrated His great love for us! Permit your natural appreciation for Him to empower you to stand for God in trails and temptations. Love is not primarily an emotion, it is action.

Recall the example of Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicademus. They loved the Lord and openly identified with Him at a very trying time for any followers of Christ. Matt 27:57-58, When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: [58] He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

                B.  Conquer them by Our Faith in Christ   Vs 8

We must continue to believe or trust Christ, and we must continue to be faithful to His teachings.  Stand firm upon His council and rely completely on His power and presence to conquer and carry us through all trails.

The Three Hebrew Boys understood what it meant to stand for God in Faith and be true to God centered convictions during trials! They were literally in the fires of their trial, but they enjoyed wonderful fellowship of the Son of God during that experience. Through their trial they bore testimony for Christ before a watching world! They knew what it meant to rely on God’s Power and Presence during trails!

Eph 6:13-16, Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14, Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16, Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

I Jn 5:4-5, For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5, Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

                C.   Conquer them by Our Rejoicing in Christ   Vs 8

Our Joy is not based on circumstances but upon the finished work of Christ. There are times though when this joy is to be filled up with “glory”. Our present joy and rejoicing are to be based on things to come; again, this will enable us to stand during trials. Sometimes you must rejoice on credit and there is strength from God during such periods!

Isa 61:10, I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Neh 8:10, Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

                 D.  Conquer them by Focusing on our Salvation Christ Provided   Vs 9

1 Pet 1:9, Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

The goal of our salvation is living in the very presence of God to execute His great will continually free of opposition or difficulty! Stay focused on this goal!

                                      TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS

O soul are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There's light for a look at the Savior and Life more abundant and free!

His word shall not fail you He promised; Believe Him and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; and the things of the earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His Glory and Grace.