“Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory” [podcast]

LET the LORD’s Gospel train roll on perpetually in your life – by flooding your heart and mind and actions with His holy Word – no matter what is going on against you or in the world (Proverbs 4:20-23; 15:15; Nehemiah 8:10; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 1 Peter 1:8; 4:12-14; 5:10).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-9 

Affliction for Rebellion vs A Continual Feast Enjoyed by the Righteous

“All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15 

“A merry heart” is simply a heart full of the joy of the LORD which is the strength of His disciples (Nehemiah 8:10).

Think about it: Every person who is not born again and presently living in the Spirit, in an abiding relationship with Christ, is miserable, is depressed instead of full of the joy of Christ (John 14-16).

As the saint of Christ abides in Him, the Father and the Son make Their abode in that saint.

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. … 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:21-23

Living righteously with Christ results in being full of “the oil of gladness” which is His joy.

“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” Hebrews 1:9

Jesus makes is clear that He wants His joy to fill and remain in us.

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11

“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24

Reading, grasping our LORD Jesus’ teachings in John chapters 14-16 is life changing.

“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13:14-15

No matter what persecution, lack, tribulation, affliction, or trials come our way, may God bless us to declare with Job “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” (Job 13:15)

Are we fair weather worshippers or true worshippers of the LORD? Habakkuk was a true worshipper of the LORD and therefore declared that he would rejoice in Him no matter what material or necessities he had or did not have.

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” Habakkuk 3:17-19 

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. … 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:2-4, 12

Going through a trial? Remember, one small step forward at a time…. continual prayer, Bible reading, worship, obedience …. God wants to see if we’re going to truly love and worship Him through it all. Job 13:15

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