Inexpressible and Glorious Joy, April 8, 2020

I am sure that you have heard the simple saying of "life is hard--but God is good!" We have all experienced times in our lives that were hard and yet, if we really take a few moments today and reflect back on those times, though difficult and often heart wrenching, we can see how the Lord brought us through to the other side of the pain. Yes, difficult times change us, but if we allow the Spirit of God to work in us with His grace and compassion, the change in us will be to the glory of God. Listen to what Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:6-8 (read the verses out loud to yourself):

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Friends, we are in these times now--but let it not discourage you but let it strengthen you with the inexpressible and glorious joy that can only come from an intimate relationship with the Lord--for in that we rest, rejoice and refresh our souls in this precious salvation we all hold so dear.

Be at peace and let your heart be joyful in the Lord!