Though you never saw him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, yet you exercise faith in him and are greatly rejoicing with an indescribable glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, your salvation. – 1 Peter 1:8-9

I find the story that has been woven for us in the Bible is just so romantic! The Bible is God’s love letter to us. He loves us. And we cannot see Him, but we believe in Him and love Him back. This story can only be from an amazing, almighty God.

When I am trying to glorify God, I tend to think that I am doing it because I love God and He loves me, not so much that I am doing it for salvation. I feel like when I think of it in the first way, my intentions are a little bit more where they are supposed to be. But yes, the ultimate goal is to be able to live with God forever.

I have learned that God’s number one commandment is to love God with our whole heart and soul and then to love others. Then, everything else kind of falls into place. That seems pretty simple to me and that brings me joy.

I am joyful that God loves me and that I have an awesome God to love back. He is my Father and my best friend – He is the best friend I could ever have. That is a reason to feel joy.

All I have to do is love Him and believe in Him and love my neighbor and I can live forever with Him. That is a reason to feel joy!

I am joyful that His promises are good and true.

Whenever looking at a scripture or passage I like to use SPECK so that I make sure I am understanding it and applying it to my life.

S – Sin to avoid

P – Promise to trust

E – Example to follow

C – Command to obey

K – Knowledge of the Lord

I think this scripture tells me that Jehovah is a loving God – love is His main quality – and He wants our love in return and He wants us to have faith in Him. If we do this, He promises us eternal life. And, yes, this brings me joy. I joyfully worship and serve God.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your beautiful promise for eternal life. As I work on your quality of joy this month, what could make me happier? Thank you for being an amazing, loving God. I could not ask for a better friend, confidant, Father. I am sorry for the times that I forget about your amazing promises because I am so caught up in this world. Please fill me with Holy Spirit and make me mentally and emotionally stronger so that I will always be rejoicing in You. I never want to lose sight of what You have done for me and all I have to do to be joyful is think of You. Please help me to rejoice in every situation, the good and the bad, because no matter what my situation is here on earth, I still have You and Your love and promises. I thank you for that! You are love and joy and please allow me to glorify You and let others see these qualities in You so they can rejoice in You as well.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.