Sometimes we look ahead to things we believe are coming and think about the joy that will be experienced then. But how about the joy presently? Though we may duly look forward to things which are to come, when it comes to the assurance we have in Christ, the joy should be the life experience now as the life is lived for Him now. Someone has said, “If you want to trust Jesus with your eternity, why not start trusting Him now?” (original source unknown) If we are trusting in the assurance of the hope yet to be fully realized, can we not trust Him also as we go about our day-to-day life?
As Peter encouraged Christians going through severe trials and noted the spiritual growth and proving of their faith by those trials (1 Peter 1:6-7), he did so with a reminder of the living hope and eternal inheritance that was theirs in Christ. (1 Peter 1:3-5) That was with a view toward the fullness of salvation which would ultimately come. In light of this, Peter encouraged. . .
“(8) 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, (9) obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV)
That joy was not merely in the future but was noted for the present. As we consider ourselves, though we have not physically seen the Lord, we believe in Him. And as we await the fullness of our eternal salvation in Him, we anticipate that Heavenly hope with joy. However, a joy that is “inexpressible and filled with glory” ought to be abiding with us as we trust Him to guide and sustain us until the day He brings us into His eternal glory! Trusting in that eternal hope, may those around us see the joy in the Lord that fills (Romans 15:13) and strengthens (i.e. Nehemiah 8:10) us presently because we are fully trusting Him now regardless of what is going on around us!
Have a great day LIVING IN JOYFUL ASSURANCE OF FAITH!
Carl
