Unlimited LifeSample

Jump for Joy!

The happiness promised to believers is not simply a vague hope in the future, but the unshakeable reality of present joy.

The actual Greek word that Peter uses, that is translated here as truly glad, and as in the KJV, literally means “jump for joy.”

The Christian can jump for joy even though he or she may have grief in all kinds of trials (v6a). What’s the reason for all this jumping around?

This jump-for-joy gladness is because we have been born again (v3), and so we now live in breathless expectation (v3), because we have a priceless and incorruptible inheritance (v4). And even if we suffer now, nothing can touch us unless God permits it (v5).

There are too many mopey Christians who seem to live in perpetual gloom. Perhaps they have not yet got the message that Christ came so that we may have “life to the full” (John 10:10). The happiness promised to believers is not simply a vague hope in the future, but the unshakeable reality of present joy.

This is deep, genuine happiness that we can enjoy now. Yes, there most certainly is “wonderful joy ahead.” That doesn’t mean there isn’t joy now. Think about it. It just means that however good it may be now, it’s only going to get better! Excuse me. I have to stand up. I have to jump for joy!

How do you develop joy in your life? A joyful life starts with joyful thoughts. Joyful thoughts come from gratitude and praise. Gratitude and praise come from worship. So, worship in such a way that you will experience God’s joy.

By Dr. Eliezer Gonzalez