Joy and Peace in Believing

There is joy and peace in believing. Once we know Jesus and the forgiveness he has granted us through faith, joy and peace begin to flow. The problem is if our faith weakens and our spiritual-mindedness begins to diminish, so does the joy and peace that flows from it.

There is peace in knowing that we are no longer at enmity with God and that he is for us and not against us (Romans 8:31). The anxiety begins to fade when we realize that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Our hearts start to rest when we recognize that all of the pain and difficulties in this life are only temporary. Not only is God using them for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28), but when it is all over, we will be with him for all eternity in heaven (John 14:1-3).

In Christ, we have objective and subjective peace through believing, but that is not all. We also have Joy, and the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). When we are weary, wondering how we can go on, we remember our God, and joy begins to fill our souls. Like Paul and Silas singing praises in prison and their literal chain coming loose (Acts 16:25), when the joy of the Lord kicks in, we are set free from the dungeon of despair. In that, God gives us the strength we need to press on.

All of this is the work of the Holy Spirit, who causes us to abound in hope (Romans 15:13). He is the guarantee of our inheritance in eternity. There is no situation on earth in which we are without hope. Not even life or death can separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39). Many people read that verse and are amazed that not even death can separate us from him, but it is just as amazing that even life is incapable of snatching us out of his hand.

Pay attention to your heart today. If joy and peace are lacking, spend time with your Savior in his word and prayer. Focus on the one in whom you believe. As children of God, as you do so, you will likely notice a change in the disposition of your soul as you turn your eyes away from the waves and put them on Jesus. The joy and peace that fills your soul will be the key that unlocks your spirit as it begins to abound in hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. – Romans 15:13

-D. Eaton