Joy That the World Cannot Give or Take

Devotional From The Sermon: Purified Through Pressure

Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu

Reading: 1 Peter 1:8-9; Romans 8:18; Philippians 4:4-7

Devotional:

Peter describes a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. This is not a joy that depends on circumstances resolving in your favor. It is a joy rooted in a Person. Though believers have not seen Jesus with their physical eyes, they love Him. Though they cannot see Him now, they believe in Him. That unseen yet certain reality produces a joy that the world did not give and therefore cannot remove. Romans 8:18 reminds us that the suffering of this present time is not even worthy of comparison to the glory that is coming. Suffering is not the end of the story. Jesus is. And because He is the end of the story, you have every reason to rejoice today, in the middle of it, not after it.

Personal Reflection:

• In what areas of your life have you been waiting for your circumstances to improve before allowing yourself to experience joy?
• What would it look like to access that inexpressible joy today, right where you are?

Practical Application:

• Choose one act of intentional praise today, whether singing, journaling gratitude, or speaking aloud the names of God.
• Let your praise be a declaration that Jesus is the end of your story, and that declaration is reason enough to rejoice now.