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1 Peter 1:8 - Joy Like No Other!

1 Peter 1:8 (NIV) 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, 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   My grandchildren live several states 
away, but I think of them every day. Other than 
FaceTime calls, I can't physically see them. I can 
look at the photos hanging on the wall. I smile 
at their favorite books that fill my shelves 
and often read to them over the phone. I also 
hum songs we sang together. Until the next 
visit, I'll miss the tangible ability to hug them, 
to be with them in person. Yet I love them. I 
know they are enjoying life, laughing, and 
playing. Their very existence fills me with joy. 
   I sometimes complain to Jesus that it's 
challenging to follow Him when I can't see Him or hear 
His audible voice. I can't touch Him as the 
first disciples could. I've learned about Him 
through Scripture and the truth passed down through 
generations. I've experienced His spirit in worship and 
prayer. But I long to be concretely in His 
presence. 
   Today, Jesus reminded me of how much joy 
I feel in my grandchildren, even when I'm not 
physically present with them. 
   Like my grandchildren, Jesus doesn't 
cease to exist just because I can't see Him (John 
20:29). He is with me, and that fills me with joy. 
Just as I eagerly anticipate the next visit with 
my grandchildren, I'm excited to know that one 
day I'll stand in the presence of Jesus. 
   In the end, believing is seeing. Sharon 
Hinck 
   Faith Step: List people who give you joy 
even when you can't see them. Ask Jesus to 
increase your belief until you see Him in eternity. 
[Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and 
Zondervan] 

CLOSING PEARL

Unspeakable Joy
   God has many ways of drawing us to 
Himself. He sometimes seems to hide Himself from us. 
But faith alone ought to be our support. Faith 
is the foundation of our confidence. We must 
put all our faith in God. He will not fail us in 
time of need. I do not know how God will dispose 
of me, but I am always happy. All the world 
suffers and I, who deserve the severest discipline, 
feel joys so continual and great that I can 
scarcely contain them. - Letter 12 
   The King James translation uses the 
phrase "joy unspeakable." Imagine a joy so 
incredible that you cannot fully describe it. This type 
of joy cannot be attached to anything in this 
world - not to your spouse, your job, your 
children, or your possessions - which may bring you 
happiness and pleasure but is ultimately dependent on 
circumstances. Since we cannot completely control our 
circumstances, we will constantly be disappointed. We can, 
however, rejoice knowing there's a supernatural joy 
available to us in Christ, not dependent on 
circumstance but on the mighty power and love of God. 
[The Practice of the Presence of God: 40 Day 
Devotional by Brother Lawrence/Alan Vermilye] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 

1 Peter 1:8: Joy Like No Other!

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210113-1037.html 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20170218-1346.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/