Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
—1 Peter 1:3-9

~~~~~

Hope Alive, Joy Overflowing
By Jennifer Kane

Not a hope that flickers and fades,
but a hope alive—
a living flame,
born from mercy,
nourished by the empty tomb.

Not a happiness that rises and falls
like the shifting tide—
but joy,
deep and unshaken,
overflowing from the well of grace.

There is something in me—
a quiet ache,
a soul-deep yearning—
for my unseen Lord,
my Friend, my Love, my Jesus.

You formed me not with silver
but with sweetness—
grace gentler than morning dew.

You allow trials to come,
but never send me through them alone.
Even when I shrink in selfishness,
or forget to thank You,
You don’t leave.
You whisper me back—
to the joy that cannot be stolen,
to the hope that anchors my soul.

I hope,
even when I stumble,
even when I feel unworthy—
still, You call me precious.

You find worth not in my strength,
but in the simple fact
that You love me.

Remind me always:
this is my hope—
not a feeling,
but a Person.

You are my joy,
overflowing.
My inheritance,
incorruptible.
My Savior—
alive.

~~~~~

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9

When Peter opens his letter with praise to God, it isn’t just poetic flourish—it is the voice of someone deeply moved by the mercy of God. In 1 Peter 1:3–9, he writes to believers who are suffering, reminding them that they’ve been born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And that hope isn’t just a concept—it breathes life into our souls. It’s active. It’s enduring. It’s alive.

This living hope is anchored in something eternal: an inheritance that cannot perish, spoil, or fade. It’s not like earthly treasure that rusts, rots, or slips through our fingers. It is kept safe in heaven—and we are kept for it by the power of God, through faith. What a beautiful assurance: we are being preserved for something glorious.

But hope does not travel alone.

Even in trials—especially in trials—this hope produces joy. Not just happiness that depends on circumstances, but inexpressible and glorious joy. Joy that transcends words. Joy that radiates from trusting a Savior we have not seen, yet deeply love. Joy that wells up from hope rooted in resurrection power and eternal promises.

Peter doesn’t deny grief or minimize trials. He acknowledges their pain and purpose. They test and refine our faith, like gold purified by fire. But even as we are grieved, we can greatly rejoice. Hope gives us perspective—joy gives us strength.

Hope looks forward with confidence. Joy rises up in the now with praise. Together, they sustain us.

So today, let your hope live. Let it breathe, let it sing. Fix it not on changing circumstances, but on the unchanging Christ. And let that hope stir joy in your heart—even in the fire—because the end of your faith is secure: the salvation of your soul.

What part of your inheritance in Christ most fills you with hope today? Have you experienced joy in the middle of a trial? What helped you cling to it?

~~~~~

Father, thank You for Your abundant mercy that gives me a living hope through Jesus. When trials come, remind me that I am kept by Your power and that my inheritance is secure. Help me to rejoice—not just when life is easy—but especially when it’s hard. Let my hope in Christ produce joy that cannot be shaken. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

April 16 2025