Joy In The Journey

From Today’s One Year Bible Reading Plan at BibleInAYearOnline.com

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. - 1 Peter 1:6 (NLT)

Some days feel long. Some seasons feel heavy. And even when we know God is good, life can still feel a little upside down. That is why I love this reminder from Peter. He is not writing from a place of comfort or ease. He is writing to believers who are going through it. Yet he tells them to be truly glad. Why? Because joy is still coming.

It is not fake joy. It is not putting on a smile just to get through. It is the kind of joy that comes from knowing this is not the end of your story. Trials are real, but they are temporary. God is working even when you cannot see it yet. And He promises that what is ahead is worth holding on for.

Peter reminds us that our faith is being refined like gold. And just like fire brings out the purity in gold, the hard moments in life can bring out something beautiful in us. Not because of how strong we are, but because of how faithful God is.

You may not feel strong every day. You might feel like you are barely hanging on. But your hope is not in your feelings. It is in Jesus. And He is steady. He is present. He is not surprised by what you are walking through.

So today, live on purpose. Lean into grace. Keep showing up. Keep choosing faith over fear. Keep trusting that the joy ahead is real, even if it is still just around the corner.

Reflection Question: What would it look like for you to lean into joy today, even if everything is not perfect yet?

Prayer: Father, thank You that You are with me in every season. Even when things are hard, I know You are working. Help me to hold on to joy and to trust that You are leading me somewhere good. I choose to live today with purpose and faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.