“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 end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9. .

“Don’t worry be happy,” was a popular song written by the American Jazz singer and song writer Bobby McFerrin in the late 80’s; I surmise that it meant, regardless to your life circumstances, just be happy in it all. Well, that is unrealistic. Happiness is an elevated good feeling or positive mental state…but unfortunately, our emotions are varied and go and come according to what is occurring in our lives at the time; you can be totally happy one moment and extremely sad the next…my friends faith is where the rubber meets the road, and genuine faith in God is what preserves in and through all things; but emotional decision do not!

Every born-again believer has something far greater that sustains and keeps us during life circumstances, whether good or bad. The gift of Joy is not predicated on our emotions, or mental state. Joy comes from the fruit developed in us by the Holy Spirit and is based on our relationship in Christ our Savior; and I do not know about you, but I am so glad about it…as the old folks would sing… “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me, and the world can’t take it away!”  “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17.

The apostle Paul was a prime example of God’s joy sustaining him in the toughest of circumstances. The entire book of Philippians and three additional epistles of his were written from a prison cell; only by the amazing grace of God and His sustaining power could he write these words from the walls of a dungeon in all types of unfavourable conditions, knowing that death was imminent “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4.

God’s great joy provides a peace way down deep in our souls that surpasses all understanding…He picks us up and reminds us that we belong to Him and nothing, absolutely nothing will ever severe that bond. Romans 8: 37-39 states “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

My friends, it is the faithful promises and sovereign power of God that guides us safely through this life. He lives within us, teaching, comforting, guiding, protecting, and giving us the victory; He is far greater than anything in this world, and Praise be to God, we can face every tomorrow because of His lovingkindness, great joy, and renewed mercy!. “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 end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9.

God blessing of love, joy, and His amazing grace be with you all!