The Promise of Pure Joy

Does the world seem a joyless place--the news all bad? Does it seem that even when good news is reported, it's recounted with a sense of incredulity and, perhaps, skepticism?

Well, guess what . . . the world IS a joyless place, full of tribulation and sorrow. Abiding joy is found only in a relationship with Jesus Christ--and this CAN BE hard to believe, unless you've experienced it.

The apostle Peter, who actually walked with Jesus, discusses the grief we encounter here on earth and says it will only be overcome "when Jesus Christ is revealed." In the meantime, Peter says that just knowing He's coming again fills believers with an inexpressible and glorious joy.

Do you need joy in your life? Then focus on this: Jesus is coming again and bringing with Him "the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

Then what are we to do with the tribulation and sorrow we face while we wait? Ignore it? Hope it will go away?

In his epistle, James, the brother of Jesus, says to consider it pure joy when we "face trials of many kinds."

Huh?

Why? Because, James says, trials and tribulation can work as a springboard for us to grow in our faith and to propel us toward God's wisdom.

So we have the promise of pure joy, 

even as a result of our trials, 

even as we await the coming of our Savior to free us from them! 

Think about that. It's a win-win situation . . . .