So, what about.... mercy, new birth (good to think about in a new year), times of suffering mean being refined, God's love, salvation... those are all things to ponder in this section. Without a doubt. and there's so much more as well... layers and layers... (at least to me, but truly, i'm no Biblical scholar)
Here's what struck me... a sandwiching of praise, rejoicing, and joy. These verses begin with "praise", you find "rejoice" in the middle, and at the ending there's "joy".
And all I could think was, "Where's mine?"
What happened to my desire to praise? Why am I not rejoicing more? And joy? I don't feel full of joy, let alone the "enexpressible and glorious joy". Why not??
Now, those might seem odd to focus on. We all know that life does not bring constant joy. Heck, life's not even fair, so how could i think there should be joy? But I have been there, I have felt that way. So, what's happened with me?
When I looked closer, I found that I'm missing something... I haven't been making the choice... here's what i'd been forgetting... praise for God's great mercy... rejoice in an inheritance that never fades... filled with an inexperssible and glorious joy because I love him and receive the goal of my faith...
I didn't misplace my joy... I simply lost focus.
If I focus on God's mercy, my inheritance, and love... I know I will find joy beyond measure.
Where's mine?
... i guess it's always been here, I've just been looking in the wrong direction.
That's what I found in 1 Peter 1:3-9... what about you?
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1 comment:
Thanks for your insight. Glad you found your Joy and now keep sharing your Joy... it's contagious.
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