UNSPEAKABLE JOY WITH PRAISE

12/12/2023

"Although you have never seen Christ, you love Him. You don't see Him now, but you believe in Him. You are extremely happy with joy and praise that can hardly be expressed in words" (1 Peter 1:8)

The most effective response to any form of distraction is to respond joyfully with praise. This principle is evident in God's attitude, as seen in Psalm 2: "Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one. 'Let us break their chains,' they cry, 'and free ourselves from slavery to God.' But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them." 

Scripture encourages us to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1). Therefore, our response should be laughter and rejoicing with unspeakable joy in every situation. Irrespective of how things may appear, we are not disadvantaged; in Christ, we are eternal victors over the world, hell, and every demon of darkness. While some may perceive our attitude as nonchalant or even arrogant, it is, in fact, a confident display of our trust in the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Deep within us, we are convinced that the God in us is greater than anything in the world. We have an unwavering understanding that failure is not a viable option. Just as God remains unmoved by circumstances, so we are! Some might argue, "But Pastor, we are not God." However, as a child of God, you are intricately connected, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:17, "But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit." This means that whatever affects you also affects Him. Therefore, if He is unmoved, you should be unmoved as well. Praise God!

Decide firmly not to be swayed from the path of life that God has ordained for you. God has laid out a journey of prosperity, joy, miracles, and unstoppable growth before you; let nothing veer you from this path. Irrespective of circumstances, victory resides within your spirit, so proclaim it boldly! Hebrews highlights Jesus' response when faced with distractions attempting to divert Him from Papa God's appointed course. The Bible records, "...who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).

1 Peter 1:8 says, "Although you have never seen Christ, you love Him. You don't see him now, but you believe in Him. You are extremely happy with joy and praise that can hardly be expressed in words." This same level of faith exhibited towards Jesus is what God expects from you concerning every distracting circumstance. He expects you to rejoice in every situation, even if the desired outcome hasn't manifested yet. He wants you to praise Him with indescribable joy because you trust that He never fails and His Word never falters. Just like David, declare, "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth" (Psalm 34:1).

God bless you!

Faith Filled Confession:

I stand firm in faith, trusting God alone. I wholeheartedly believe in the Word of God, confident that He who began a good work in me will complete it. Hallelujah!

Prayer Points:

Psalm 122:6, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you."

• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. 

• Pray against plans to use the crises in Israel to launch other attacks in the United States.

• Pray for Washington and all who are in positions of authority in the United States.

One-Year Reading Plan: Daniel 9-10; 2 John