What makes you happy even on these difficult days?

“In this, you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials.” 1st Peter 1:6

Few things are going around in this world, especially during this pandemic disaster time, which would cause us to get worried and even depressed. Death happened more often these days in different parts of the world, and the number of hospitalizations was on the rise around the world. Many lost their jobs and faced with financial stress. Some are unable to go back to work due to pre-high-risk health conditions.

Now, how can we rejoice and be happy in such a difficult time in history?

Our insight says, in this, you greatly rejoice, even though you are distressed by various issues and trials. In what can we rejoice, no matter what is going around? Peter writes to the fellow believers who were scattered around due to persecutions, trials, and struggles. He writes five things that make you happy, even in such situations.

What are they?

Number one, Remember God the Father chose you to become his child (1st Peter 1:2). You are chosen, and you belong to God. Secondly, you are being sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit to obey Christ Jesus because the blood of Christ sprinkled you. You are a work in progress by the almighty Gods’ Spirit, although you are not perfect in any measure now (vs.2(b). Thirdly, God caused you to born again to His Household and gave you a living hope for the future based on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. (Vs. 3(b). Fourthly, God reserved an inheritance for you in heaven. This inheritance reserved for you by Him is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away. It is a sure and secure inheritance. (vs.4). Fifthly, during your pain and troubles, you are protected by the power of God for your complete future salvation because you placed your faith in Him. (vs. 4).  Complete salvation means He will resurrect you and exalt you with a glorified body shortly. Your salvation would be complete when you get the glorified and eternal body according to the promise of God. The body you live in now is a temporal, physical body made out of dust. It is prone to bacteria and virus attacks. It is prone to health issues. It is prone to get weaker and weaker as you get older. However, the future, permanent, glorified, and eternal body you would get would be permanent and not prone to sickness, weakness, tiredness, or attacks. It will never get older and get decayed.

Bible says you rejoice in these five blessings God already granted you as His child. God chose you to become His child, and you belong to Him. His Holy Spirit sanctifies you with His power now. You are born into God’s family by your faith in His Son Jesus Christ, who paid for your sins and shortcomings by his divine and sinless blood. God reserved an inheritance for you, which is kept safe and secure for you. God protects you today with His omnipotent power and all-sufficient grace. You will obtain the complete package of salvation soon when your weak and lowly body gets conformed to Christ’s glorious body by the exertion of God’s power,  by which He raised Jesus from the dead and subjects all things under his control.

Beloved, God knows for a little while now you are distressed by sufferings, pain, and troubles. This is because we live on this cursed earth due to the original sin of our first parents and subsequent sins we all committed. However, the Bible reminds the future of those who trusted in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the savior of the world, is bright and secure even in uncertain and trying times like this.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, there are not many things that give us joy these difficult days. However, Your Word reminds as a child of God; we can rejoice in the matters we discussed today. You chose me already and accepted me to Your heavenly household. You reserved an inheritance for me in heaven. You would grant me full salvation when my mortal body would be resurrected and glorified by the same power you exerted in raising Jesus from the dead. What great blessings you gave me! I rejoice in these although I am faced with various issues and trials now. I thank, praise, and worship you. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”