Our Problem with Rejoicing
All Kinds of Trials

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:7-12

Key Verse: 1 Peter 1:6

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

Our problem with rejoicing is dealing with what Peter calls, “all kinds of trials.” I’m sure your life is like mine, the minute you have one problem solved, another one pops up! And even when life seems to float along pretty good for a while, we know a storm will come. If we are not careful, we can allow this thought to wreck our joy!

The Apostle Peter clearly lays out the reasons we can continue to rejoice, even in the midst of our trials. In verse seven of our suggested additional reading section, Peter writes: “These (trials) have come so that your faith…may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Your faith in God is of greater worth than gold, or any other earthly values. Its worth will be seen in total clarity when Jesus comes again. We should desire, and even delight, in anything that helps our faith become stronger.

Our printed key verse for today starts by pointing to our attitude in Christ: “In this you greatly rejoice…” Of course, trials are not enjoyable, but we can rejoice in our spirits when they come—because of what they accomplish! Take captive those complaining or grumbling thoughts and turn them into grateful thoughts. Grateful for the good work God is doing in us as we walk through a trial of life!

Father, please remind me not to grumble when life gets tough. Remind me of the work these trials are producing in my faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.