Why The Christian Can Rejoice During Worst Times

1st Peter 1:3-6, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.”

The word “rejoice” means to “re joy.” Not just that, but to “greatly rejoice,” again and again and again. There's more, God wants us to do this in the midst of “manifold temptations.” That is, we are to rejoice during the many tests and complicated trials of life.

God says that even during the worst experiences of life—whether it be persecution, divorce, marital troubles, personal loss, the death of a loved one, loss of a job, financial woes, whatever—the redeemed child of God can and should GREATLY REJOICE knowing that we were already justified in the sight of God almighty from before when the world began. Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” As God's saints we don't hope we have eternal life; but rather, we have the hope of eternal life, because God promised “to save them that believe” (1st Corinthians 1:21b).

Knowing that we have an inheritance incorruptible in Heaven, undefiled that fadeth not away (it doesn't expire), reserved for all believers, we “greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (1st Peter 1:6). There is no reason for the redeemed child of God to become bitter and complain all the time, when we knowing have an inheritance reserved (waiting) for us in Heaven.

Get your mind off of your problems, burdens and the rottenness of ungodly people, and start focusing on God's great sacrifice of His only begotten Son for you on Calvary's cross 2,000 years ago. The inspired Word of God commands every believer to 'GREATLY REJOICE' while you are going through your many trials and temptations. Ladies and gentlemen, we have the glorious blessed hope of ETERNAL LIFE! Luke 10:20b, “rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” We are on the winning side through faith in Jesus Christ!!!