joy
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV
There is something beautiful to be said about the joy you are able to experience right now in the midst of your waiting.
The holiday season is a beautiful reminder of the life we get to live here on earth as we wait with anxious expectation for the arrival of our Savior Jesus Christ. And depending on the season you are in, this may mean a lot of things for you and your family. Maybe you are waiting for the arrival of a promise He spoke to you years ago, the salvation of someone close to you, or in true advent fashion — His return.
In your seasons of waiting, have you ever found yourself pouring over the scriptures, searching for a glimpse of hope? Maybe wondering if anyone in the Bible experienced the things that you are in this very moment in time? While it may have looked different, there are so many stories of people who, just like us, spent days, months and even years in a waiting season. And because of their stories, we have examples of posture, response, prayer, and so much more to reflect on.
For example, it is so beautiful to see what Peter wrote in this passage from 1 Peter compared to what the angel of the Lord said to the shepherds when announcing the birth of Jesus in Luke. “The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
Can you imagine just “going about” your evening and an angel appearing to proclaim this good news? Just like some of us this holiday season, the shepherds were in a season of waiting, with anxious expectation for the day they would come to hear these words. But that’s the thing…the day did come. And it will for you, too…
But there is something beautiful to be said about the joy you are able to experience right now in the midst of your waiting. In the quiet moments of early morning, your favorite worship song coming on at just the right time, or running into someone you haven’t seen in years.
Whatever waiting may look like for you right now, may you remember to “rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy” in the midst. Joy can be found all around you, if you just take a moment to observe and tune in to what the Lord is speaking.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday,
Madison L. King
reflect:
Spend some time in prayer and reflection in finding joy in each season. Ask the Lord to show you what that looks like in your day to day through posture, response, gratitude, and communing with Him.
additional reading:
Luke 2:10-11 / Psalm 30:5 / James 1:2 / Galatians 5:22
centering prayer:
Abba, I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience great joy in my life. No matter what season I am in, you provide an opportunity for me to see something beautiful. Thank you for those moments and for the things to come. Amen.
