JOY UNSPEAKABLE

"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: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9)

Life in Christ, while we are in this world, is attended by a circumstance we do not prefer. As it is written, "while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:6-7). Were it not for Divine provisions, that situation would be intolerable. Our hearts have been made tender by grace, and we long to be with our Lord. Until that desire is fulfilled, however, we are not without excellent advantage.

Even though we have not seen Jesus, yet we love Him. In fact, that love is even greater than that of those who saw Him in the flesh. This is a love stimulated by faith, sustaining the soul in adversity, temptation, and periods of deep longing.

Believing so stabilizes the soul that the child of God can proceed joyfully to glory, though pressed hard on every side. While we are believing, we are thoroughly convinced of the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice. There is no doubt in our hearts about the effectiveness of His present intercession, or our acceptance by God. Believing brings all of those things within our grasp, and convinces us of their reality.

The result of believing is remarkable. In a cursed world, hounded by a raging foe, and surrounded by human frailty, we "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." It is "unspeakable" because there is no form of human speech capable of expressing it. Too, it exceeds our abilities of comprehension. This is a joy that extends deeper than the human intellect can traverse, and goes further than powers of perception can reach. Yet, it buoys up the soul, bringing delight that makes living by faith preferable and enjoyable. "Unspeakable" is not unintelligible or merely emotional. Its fulness, however, exceeds human expression.

This joy is also "full of glory"; i.e., it is a heavenly joy. It points to God, exults in Christ, and shouts "Thank You!" for so great a salvation. God is honored by the joy produced by believing. The sufferings of Christ are vindicated by such exhilarating ecstasy. It also brings a measure of Divine glory to us while dwelling in a house of clay in a condemned world. Oh, the benefits of believing Him–something that can neither be attested to nor confirmed by human nature!

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I extol Your holy name for providing such an exhilarating and extensive joy. I know that it glorifies You -- it also satisfies me.

-- MONDAY: WHAT IS NEWNESS OF LIFE? --