Lucy

 whom, not having known, you love. In him, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy that is unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:8-9 (WEB)

Lucy was a beautiful little three-year-old. Her thick dark brown curls bounced with every step she took, and her beautiful hazel eyes could just light up any room with joy.

Lucy loved the question, “why” and her favorite activities included singing, trips to the zoo and shadowing her best hero, dad.

Lucy had a giggle that made everyone in the room want to join in. Happiness was written in her smile and shared with every hug.

Lucy saw beauty everywhere. One spring day, she and her mom walked to the park. Singing loudly, Lucy suddenly ran towards a splash of color. “I’m rich!” she yelled, spotting a patch of purple wildflowers. At three years old, Lucy knew the true wealth of God’s creation.

Lucy, aka, Sarah is her private nickname. I’ll let her tell that story.

The happy story I just told really happened. Thirty-four years have passed since I was treated to one of many of the happiest moments with my daughter. I will never forget her exuberance for life.

I won’t bore you with anymore daughter stories. I just want to help illustrate the difference between daily happiness and true joy.

Joy can only come to those who know Jesus. Lucy’s flower story is an illustration of joy.

Joy is constant. No matter what is going on around you, joy never leaves…. if you know the Source of joy.

Happiness depends on external forces. Lucy had both. Lucy wasn’t always happy, like on the day she lost her cat. But she was always filled with joy.

In Peter’s first letter to various Christians in Asia Minor, Peter’s joy in knowing Christ flows in our key verse. Inexpressible joy.

By this point in Peter’s life, he had become an old man. He had witnessed persecution and destruction brought about by the darkness and brutality of the time. His own violent death was not far off.

Despite seeing new enemies springing up in the church, and dealing with satanic atrocities, Peter never forgot the joy of knowing Jesus and sharing that joy with hungry hearts.

I am firmly convinced that only true believers who stay engaged in their intimate relationship and love of Jesus can ever understand the difference between happiness and joy. Let’s look at some keys to Peter’s conviction about the Treasure that he found. Hopefully the Treasure is in your own heart, too.

1 Peter 1:1-12 excerpts taken from World English Bible

Treasures of Joy

God is the Father of our Lord Jesus. We’ve been given mercy from God. We’ve been born again.

Jesus was raised from death. Now we have great expectations.

We have a priceless inheritance in heaven. God is protecting you with His power.

Then you will see Him in heaven. Be glad. There is more wonderful joy waiting for you.

You are able to endure, proving that you have genuine faith.

Your faith is more precious than mere gold. Your faith will bring you praise and glory and honor.

You and the whole world will see Jesus. You love him even though you have never seen him.

Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 

The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.  

How beautiful are the feet of those who share the Good News!

Isaiah 52:7 (Paraphrased)

Below is a reference for you to study. It is a short passage that can help you know how to fill your life with unquenchable joy, no matter what. I hope that you will either click the link below or read the verses from your Bible. It is important to always measure every word from any blog, book or sermon by the Word of God alone.

1 Peter 1:13-25 Joy every day!

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.