Trials

December 22, 2023

”Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,“

—I Peter 1:3-6 

The text goes on, but what struck me as I read this morning were the words, “you have been grieved by various trials…” Faith in Christ isn’t always a happy happy, joy joy kind of life. This time of year is for many, a time of deep grief. Instead of ease, they see only trouble and strife. Joy  isn’t the same thing as happiness. Happiness, as the word implies, depends on what happens. Joy is independent of what happens. It is internal, while happiness depends on external circumstances. This is why Peter can say, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.” 

What is the “in this” that causes joy? The hope we have because God sent us his Son who died on a cross for our sins, and was “raised from the dead to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, that doesn’t fade away.” He goes on to tell us that what Jesus did was for us, and that though we have trouble in this life, he will keep us through it all. Our salvation isn’t yet complete; it is to be revealed in the last time, which means our future is assured, and it is greater than our trials. This is the promise we celebrate at Christmas. Troubles? Sure, we have them. But we also have the powerful presence of God to keep us through them all.