The substance of joy does not rest in this world.

Joy lives in the hope born of the resurrection.  It inhabits the incorruptible inheritance prepared for and kept for me. It is sustained by the power of God.

Trial and temptation may come against me, and circumstances may flip me like a burger on a hot grill, but I am secure in the joy unspeakable that is Jesus the Christ.

The temporary cannot thwart the eternal, nor can the uncertainties of this life overcome the sureness of Heaven.

Settled firmly in the character of our trustworthy God and His work on the cross, I am redeemed. Chosen by His grace, purchased with His blood, kept by His honor, I rejoice in His hope.

I Peter 1:³ 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, ⁴ To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵ Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

⁶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: ⁷ That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: ⁸ Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: ⁹ Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Photo: Yellow Butterfly ©Beth Mims