I read this passage, sitting in my recliner, recovering from my second major surgery in six months. My mobility was severely limited and the list of what I could do was much shorter than the list of what I couldn’t. It was easy to feel sorry for myself.

Have you ever found yourself in that place?

As I sat with my Bible open in front of me, the still small voice of my Heavenly Father whispered to me. I wasn’t suffering in the same sense as Peter’s audience who were being persecuted for their faith, but my physical suffering was just as real. And even though it felt like it had been going on forever, it really was only "for a little while" in light of eternity.

Peter’s words reminded me of what was truly important. As I shifted my focus off my current physical limitations and looked heavenward, I was reminded again that God was still in control, still at work in my situation, and still worthy of my honor and praise.

I thanked him for Christ’s finished work on the cross and my future with him, and then I began to rejoice. I had to chuckle because what seemed almost impossible had become a reality. I felt “glorious joy”. I was still sitting in my recliner, unable to twist, bend, lift, reach, push or pull, but my focus had changed — and that was what really mattered.

Shift your focus and see if the same thing happens to you.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that regardless of what I am facing in my life today, you are at work and I can trust you. Help me to focus on you and what I know is true instead of on my situation. Thank you that you love me, that your Son died for me, and that I know where I will spend eternity. Right now, right here, I can greatly rejoice and be filled with the inexpressible and glorious joy that you alone can give. Amen.

Go Deeper — What situation do you find yourself in today that seems overwhelming, robbing you of the joy of which Peter speaks? Take time to focus on who God is. Thank him for all he has done and will do in your life, even if you can’t see it right now.

Read Further — How a teacher's point of view totally changed one challenging day in class.Why We Need Gray Days



Tags: The Letters of Peter 1 Peter 1 Prayer
Photo Credit: Adi Constantin