Joy That Outlasts the Fire

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. (1 Peter 1:6-8)

Peter spoke of rejoicing greatly even in difficult seasons. The word "seasons" is key because the difficulties you're facing aren’t going to last forever; they are just for a moment. Nothing the enemy sends will be permanent.

Peter wrote to show that joy doesn’t come from the absence of problems. Rejoicing is your authority in Christ, which denies the problem the right to stay. He wrote to believers facing difficulties and pressure, explaining that this is the best time to “greatly rejoice.” Not to mildly rejoice or offer polite praise, but to turn up your praise!

Refuse to let pressure or your emotions silence your voice. In fact, the phrase “joy unspeakable” has nothing to do with being silent; it means your joy is so complete that it can’t be contained. Joy unspeakable implies that when the pressure is loud, you rejoice even louder!

Peter was not telling the believers to ignore the reality of their situation. He was reminding them to view their situation through faith. True joy, biblical joy, doesn’t need relief to be shown; it needs revelation to be proclaimed.

Practical Application

Don’t assume an issue is permanent when it’s only seasonal. Pressure always has an expiration date. During that season, remember to praise. Praise isn't just a religious response; it’s a form of warfare against fear. How long do you fight the good fight of faith? As long as it takes.

1 Peter 4:12; James 1:2