Unshakeable Joy

1 Peter 1:6-9 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

How is your joy today? Strange question you say? Well, I guess what I am asking is, "What brings you joy, and what determines whether or not you have joy?" Is our joy dependent upon our circumstances, or is it rooted in Jesus? Our joy is either going to crumble and disappear, or stand strong and be unshakeable. Please understand that I am not talking about being happy. Happiness is usually rooted in what is going on in our lives from moment to moment. I am talking about true joy; a joy that is evident, even when it seems that our life is falling apart around us. The strength of our joy is going to measure in accordance to where our hope lies. In this chapter, the Apostle Peter reminds us that we have an inheritance waiting for us when we finally leave this place to be with Jesus. That my dear brothers and sisters is true hope. Too many of us "hope" that our circumstances will work out in our favor. That is not what biblical hope is all about. Biblical hope tells us that we have a Living Hope in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3). Real hope is the belief, and expectation, that something is going to happen, without a shadow of a doubt. In other words, by faith we believe Jesus is who He says He is, and will one day return to get us. If we are not alive to see that day, then by faith we believe that when we are absent from this body, we will be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). The bottom line is that if our hope is in Jesus and all His promises, then regardless of our circumstances, our joy will not be shaken. We will enjoy the peace and joy that comes from putting our faith in our one and only Living Hope; our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).