Inexpressible Joy in Christ: Holding On for Dear Life

Throughout life, there will be some things that seem to give us so much joy, almost an inexpressible joy, that we try to guard them with all our strength. I remember growing up, there was this phrase that perfectly expressed this: “He is holding on to that thing for dear life!” That might be a Texas thing, but it expresses this desire to hang onto something “for dear life” because it gives us so much joy and happiness. In 1 Peter 1:5-9, we see this same expression come to life, only it is working in two directions, God holding on to us with all his might and power, and us doing everything we can to hold on tightly to Jesus, in whom we have our salvation. 

God’s Powerful Hold

            In verse 5 of 1 Peter, the expression is that God is holding on to or guarding us powerfully through faith in Christ. We see a similar statement in Philippians 4:7, saying that our hearts and minds are guarded in Christ Jesus. What a glorious reminder that our faith and salvation are completely in the hands of God, and nothing can take that away because God is all-powerful! Verse 5 ends by saying that this salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time. Peter essentially says that while we can have life in Christ now, much more is coming in eternal life. More will be revealed in the coming days of Jesus in his second coming and our eternal destiny in heaven with our King. Verse 5 is just packed with hope for this life and the future, but verse 6 shows a different side of things. 

Suffering is Temporary

            Even though we rejoice in our salvation now, we may, even if it is just for a short time, suffer in various trials. James 1:2 tells us to count it all joy when we meet various trials in this life. In 1 Peter 4:12, Peter again reminds us not to be so surprised when trials come upon us. Trials will come and go, and we shouldn’t look at these as though something strange is happening to us or as if we are being punished for something. This world is broken and full of sinful people; bad things will happen. But we must remember, these trials and sufferings are only temporary because God is holding onto us with “dear life.” Paul tells us in Romans 8:28 that God is working all things together for our good, for those called according to his purposes. This is exactly where verse 7 takes us. 

Suffering for a Reason

            Peter reminds us of what Paul was talking about in Romans chapter 8: that even our suffering is not in vain; our suffering does something in us. Gold, even though it is a perishable item, is refined by fire to produce a much more valuable product. Likewise, suffering refines our character to be a much more valuable part of our lives. J.V. Fesko puts it this way, “In this crucible of providentially governed suffering God gives us the opportunity to glorify Him, He further conforms us to the image of Christ, and He also better equips us to demonstrate Christ’s love to others.”[1] Therefore, suffering is a cause for joy in the sense that it is being used by God to strengthen and sanctify us; resulting “in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” What a marvelous way to begin looking at our suffering. 

Our Love

            Now we have seen how God is holding onto us for dear life and doing something in our lives; now we see how we are holding on for dear life. Jesus. Even though we do not see Him now, we love Him, believe in Him, and rejoice in Him “with inexpressible and glorious joy” because in Him we achieve the goal of our faith: salvation in Christ alone. This we hang on to for dear life and proclaim to all the world the best way we can. R.A. Torrey says, “The word “inexpressible”declares that this jubilant joy is of such a character that we cannot, by any possibility, explain it adequately to others. Everyone who really believes on the Lord Jesus does rejoice with an jubilant joy that is beyond all description.”[2] Jesus, our love and inexpressible joy, is the object we value so dearly, that we dare not let go. Let those around us see our joy and say together, “He is holding on to Jesus for dear life.” 

[1] Fesko, J. V. Romans. Edited by Joel R. Beeke and Jon D. Payne, Reformation Heritage Books, 2018, p. 118.

[2] McCheyne, Robert Murray, et al. A Treasury of Great Preaching: 5 Vol. Set. WORDsearch, 2020.