Unspeakable Joy

 "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

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

While the Apostle Peter had seen you, following you every day for three years, his audience largely had not. I have that in common with them. I've never seen you. Yet, I love you. I love you because you first loved me. I love you because you rescued me. I love you because you care for me. Even though I have not seen you and don't see you now, I believe in you and the result of this love for you is a glorious joy that can't adequately be described by any earthly language. It is inexpressible and unspeakable. It is a joy that wells up within me and cannot be contained.

This joy is unlike the fleeting feeling of happiness or the momentary contentment I find through worldly pleasure. The things or experiences I turn to in order to satisfy my soul's longing never provide the payoff I desire. They are miserable counterfeits to the inexpressible and glorious joy I find in you. The yearning for God that lies deep in the heart of every person is a spiritual thirst that can only be satisfied by you. Anything less leaves me empty, thirsty, and disappointed. Only you, Lord Jesus, can fill me with true joy. The kind of joy that words can't describe or define.

The reason for this joy is that I am receiving the end result, the outcome, the by-product of my faith in you—the rescue and deliverance of my soul. You have given me salvation from the penalty, power, presence, and pleasure of sin. If that isn't a cause for inexpressible and glorious joy, I don't know what is!

Thank You Lord Jesus for Your great love for me. Thank You for Your rescue from sin and the freedom I have received. Until the day I see You face to face, I choose to love You, believe in You, and be filled by You with Your unspeakable joy.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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