JOY BEYOND WORDS
- UnstoppableRevKev
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
📖Scripture: “…indeed through faith in Him you are exulting with joy beyond words—filled with the glory of God.”1 Peter 1:8c
🔎Reflection: True faith ultimately manifests as exultation with joy beyond words! The Greek word combo the Apostle Peter uses in 1 Peter 1:8c is ag-al-lee-ah'-o (exulting) with khar-ah' (joy) that is an-ek-lah'-lay-tos (beyond words). That kind of response isn’t grounded in circumstances but in our faith (not belief) in Christ.
Divine joy differs from the superficial, transient “happiness” that’s peddled by hack pastors and prosperity preachers. Divine joy and contentment are only forged in the Refiner’s fire of trials, tribulation, and suffering. It starts as the gift of regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Then, for our sanctification, He invites and encourages us to lean into grace (to praise and rejoice in God simply because of who He is), which later erupts as exultation (leaping for joy).
Peter is not advocating for some perverse sense of delight in pain and suffering, but rather encouraging us to lean into God's grace in it, with the expectation that God will provide supernatural peace that surpasses all understanding as we have faith (not mere belief) that God will somehow use - even this - for His glory (Phil 4:7; John 16:33). In John 16:20-22, King Jesus likened it to a mother going through the pains of childbirth, saying, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. 22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” Notice that King Jesus doesn't say that our grief might turn to joy... He, God the Son, says that it will turn to joy.
That kind of joy, born of supernatural faith from the Holy Spirit, leans into God's grace in the Valley of the Shadow of Death (Ps 23). It patiently endures (Ps 27), maintains resolve (Ps 46), finds quiet contentment (Ps 55)... and then, on the other side, forgets all the anguish (Ps 30)... ascribing ultimate glory (doxazo) to God in and through our praise (Ps 40)!
Much of modern Christianity today often trivializes joy as emotional highs through religious entertainment, but Scripture roots authentic joy in Christ’s surpassing worth. He is the immense treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of immeasurable value (Matt 13:44-46). When trials come (King Jesus told us to expect them: Mt 5:10-12; Mt 10:16-18, 22; Mt 24:9; Mk 13:11-13; Lk 6:22-23; Jn 15:18-20; Jn 16:1-2, 33) and we are stripped of worldly pleasures and comforts, our response exposes whether our treasure is truly Christ (rejoicing and joy) or counterfeit idols (bitterness and regret).
🤺Action: Test and examine yourself in obedience to God's WORD (2 Cor 13:5). How have/are the trials, tribulations, and sufferings you’ve experienced directly contributed/contributing to the edification (building up) of Christ’s Body & Bride? Ask yourself: Are my sufferings truly for Christ’s glory in the church, or are they the result of ongoing selfish, sinful, and rebellious choices against the WORD and will of God? Do I truly rejoice and joy in Christ Himself, or only when He blesses me with comfort, security, safety, stability, fun, and stuff? Where is the Holy Spirit calling me to submit, surrender, and repent of seeking first my own comfort and glory rather than to glorify Christ in humility, steadfast faith, contentment, praise, exultation, and joy beyond words?
🙏Prayer: O glorious God of Holy Trinity, I confess that my joy in You is often shallow and fleeting. Please forgive me for seeking happiness in circumstances rather than seeking first Christ’s kingdom and righteousness. Holy Spirit, please teach me to lean into divine grace, glorify You in trial, and exult You with joy beyond words as I’m filled with the glorious treasure of Christ Jesus!
Click this link to watch a short video version of today's post:
Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
Pastor
Here's a great praise song by Jeff Johnson about joy beyond expression...
Comments