12-18-05 1 Peter 1:8

1 Peter 1:8 (KJ21)
whom having not seen, ye love. In Him, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,

1 Peter 1:8 (NAS)
and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory

1 Peter 1:8 (NIVUS)
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

1 Peter 1:8 (NLT)
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy.

Faith is a concept that sometimes is difficult to explain, especially when you are speaking about deity. Many others may think you are foolish to believe; for they have never experienced what you have. Yes, you have never seen nor perceived Adonai, the Almighty God, with your physical eyes, but the Lord has opened your spiritual eyes to begin to see the majesty and glory that is your God.

What you have come to understand about God has opened your heart to love Him. You have begun to see His goodness and kindness; you have only started to experience His love and His mercy. His facets and characteristics are as infinite as the realm in which He exists. And as you become more intimately acquainted with Him, your fondness and affections grow. He gives you pleasure and has made you content.

You now know that your belief in Jehovah the Lord is based on the Truth. You are certainly persuaded that He exists as the Creator and Ruler of all things. You have put your trust and confidence in Him and have not been disappointed. You have entrusted your life into His hands and He has proved faithful in saving and keeping you. In Jesus Christ, you are well and thrive.

You now have joy which springs up and gushes out of you like a flood of water; for the Lord your God has caused you to be exceedingly glad. This joy is something that you cannot easily describe or define; sometimes it simply leaves you speechless. You have seen the glory and splendor of God and you can only extol, praise, and honor Him.