The Apostle Peter stated a great Christian truth in the form of an amazing paradox: the obedient Christian believer will continue to rejoice and praise God even in the midst of continuing trials and suffering in this earthly life! God’s people know that things here on this earth are not all they ought to be, but they refuse to join the worry brigade. They are too busy rejoicing in the gracious prospect of all that will take place when God fulfills His promises to His redeemed children. This ability to rejoice is demonstrated throughout the Bible, and in the New Testament it rings forth like a silver bell! The life of the normal believing child of God can never become a life of gloom and pessimism, for it is the Holy Spirit of God who keeps us above the kind of gloomy resignation that marks the secularism of the day. We are still able to love the unlovely and to weep with those who weep, for in Peter’s words, “When Christ’s glory shall be revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy!”
Verse
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings. 1 Peter 4:13
Thought
The life of the normal believing child of God can never become a life of gloom and pessimism, for it is the Holy Spirit of God who keeps us above the kind of gloomy resignation that marks the secularism of the day.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the reminder that I have not only been forgiven of everything imaginable, but that I have everything to look forward to.