Yesterday it occurred to me that nearly everyone I’ve talked to has expressed they are overwhelmed with problems and events in their lives, including many Christians. I relate. Yet the Lord says:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)
Peace and joy are part of the same package. James 1 says to rejoice in trials and while most of us struggle with that, five new refugees we met at the airport this month illustrate God’s grace in trials. They have experienced persecution for nearly a decade but are now enjoying life here, away from all that. I’ve never met people more filled with God’s joy.
In telling another Christian of these five believers and their joy, he said they “just haven’t processed their trials yet” as an explanation. How sad to miss the reality of God using trials to draw His people closer to Himself and to bless them with joy even when the world is not nice to them. Today’s verses speak to this:
In this (His guarding of our inheritance and guarding us) you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 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, (1 Peter 1:6–8)
This family of five are incredible examples of how focusing on our eternal inheritance gives joy that transcends even the most difficult temporal circumstances. Their joy is clearly about Jesus, not the comforts of life.
Joy is a major theme in Scripture. The psalmist said, “Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright” and “My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.” (Psalm 33:1; 71:23)
Even creation itself is said to rejoice in the Lord:
You make the going out of the morning and the evening shout for joy . . . . Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exalt, and everything that is in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord . . . . Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord; for He comes to judge the earth.” (Psalm 65; 96; 98)
Christians can suffer heartache and persecution for our faith in Christ, but in severe trials, God wants us to know His profound joy. That’s why Peter said,
But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:13)
Why such joy? Peter points to our protected inheritance, a proven faith, a promised honor, a personal fellowship, and a present deliverance. This Greek word translated “greatly rejoice” in 1 Peter 1:6 is not the usual Greek word for “rejoice.” This one is more expressive and intense and refers to a joy that is not based on circumstances or is temporary. It lasts.
This quality of joy was granted to that family of five DURING their trials, not just after they were released from their problems. This has happened to me too, once in a trial of pain, another time in the trial of a family event, and even yesterday as some overwhelming circumstances had me in constant prayer. God grants peace and joy even if the situations do not change — showing His people that His grace transcends all else and we don’t have to be comfortable and in a good place to experience Him or His joy.
PRAY: Lord, You tell me that all I need to do is present the issues to You with thanksgiving and You will grant peace that passes understanding. You give joy that, according to what is happening, does not make sense. This is not about processing anything but about trust, yet the many times I’ve known that incredible peace and joy didn’t have much to do with me . . . You just sovereignly gave it. You show me again and again that You are my Savior, saving me from despair and doubt when it seemed the only way I could feel. You are a total blessing and I am totally grateful!
PONDER John 16:16–24 and Philippians 4:4-7. According to the NT, why would we lament? Do I need to experience answers to my prayer before He grants joy and peace? What truths bring me joy?
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