…and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…
Who could object to having inexpressible and glorious Joy? Even for a moment, let alone for a lifetime. But for eternity? Really?
To put this verse in context Peter says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and…you believe in him … and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…”
In yesterday’s post, “Testimony,” we discussed why people believe in Jesus even two thousand years after he lived on earth. The answer, it seems, is that God calls us to believe and makes it possible for us to believe. But how? How does God do this?
One of the ways is by filling those he has touched with Joy.
It is an amazing thing. Joy is not exactly the same thing as happiness. Joy can include happiness, but it is thicker, richer, deeper, and more colorful than happiness alone could ever be. You might say that Joy is to happiness what a real German chocolate seven-layer cake is to a picture of a chocolate cupcake.
When God touches a person with Joy, they know that they have been touched. Sometimes the result is overwhelming. For some, the experience exceeds anything we have ever even imagined. For others, the experience is quiet, deep inside. What both versions and many others have in common a feeling like no other. Being touched by Joy leaves a mark. A good one.
Peter calls the joy, “inexpressible.” I would agree with that. It is very personal. It is profound. It is intense. Yet how does one talk about it? Language requires a common denominator, something two people can point to and agree on a word for it. Joy is an experience for one. It can be experienced at the same time others experience it, but it cannot be shared. It is unique to the one being touched.
Peter also tells us that Joy is “glorious.” What a wonderful word, glorious. It suggests that this kind of Joy is distinguished, honorable, and praiseworthy. It is a feeling that is pure, righteous, and holy. It is what every heart longs for, but only those who have accepted God will ever know.
Why do people believe in Jesus two thousand years after he walked this earth? One reason is Joy. The Joy of being touched by the Living God.
Application: When you see someone who needs some Joy, offer to share Jesus with them.
Food for Thought: How is it possible to recognize when someone else has been touched by Joy?
I can only defer to the Bible.
An image of King David dancing before the ark as it was brought into the city of David was first in my mind. He was filled with a joy that could not be contained. 2 Samuel 6:14
Jesus tells us we will be known by the love we express toward one another, John 13:35 as we Love God, Love others, fulfilling Matthew 22:37-39
There is no turning back for a person who has rejected the world and in repentance given their heart to God. Has received the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, which keeps our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:7
We may stumble and fall but we always respond to the Holy Spirit as He reaches out, offering each a way back to our God.
Ron,
Thank you for that beautiful image of David dancing before the Ark of God! You are absolutely right about love spilling out in how we interact with others, too. Thank you!
I think when someone is filled with joy, the joy will be complimented by the other fruit of the Spirit, as seen in Galatians 5: 22 – 23. It will also be evident through a life led by the Spirit instead of by the flesh (Galatians 5: 16 – 26). Joy is a gift of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is always available to the believer. We can choose joy. It is hard to hold onto with the distractions of the world and the attacks of the enemy, but if we focus on our salvation and the cross, we can continue to experience the joy of our salvation. I personally struggle with holding onto the joy of the Lord. Circumstances seem to pry it from me too often. But if Paul had so much joy while falsely imprisoned (See the book of Philippians), certainly I can as well. Paul kept his joy by focusing on Christ and the cross and pursuing his relationship with Christ. I find that still works today. Peter likewise, in the context of our passage, saw this joy stemming from the salvation of our souls. The eternal joy casts its shadow on us in this life, but our focus needs to be on that eternal reality.
Well said Rich. Thank You!
Rich,
Your words remind me of Matthew 14: 22-32 where Peter walks on the water with Jesus. The picture painted in the story is one of everyday life: It is dark, the disciples are exhausted and they are a long ways from anywhere safe, the wind is blowing against them and the waves crashed against the boat continually. Sound familiar? Kind of like an average day these days. Into all of this walks Jesus. Peter brilliantly cries out, “Lord, if it’s you tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus says, “Come,” and Peter does. He does well as long as he has his eyes on Jesus. It is only when he is distracted by the fearful things around him that he starts to sink. I love Jesus’ response!! “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.” Yeah! Isn’t that just awesome!
Thank you for sharing that you, too, have the same struggles as the rest of us. Thank you also for reminding us of Paul’s example and his words to the Galatians. I am encouraged by them.
👍🏻