Joy Unspeakable

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: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: (1 Peter 1:8-10 KJV)

Can we love that which we have not seen? Certainly. My granddaughter is carrying Sarai – not to be seen until sometime in February. We have faith Sarai will join our family, and we love her deeply. As much as we love Sarai, it doesn’t compare with the joy unspeakable and full of glory that comes from loving our Lord.

The prophets spoke of Him from the beginning of the scriptures. They wrote of God’s plans for the world, and many of them have come to pass over time. Some have not yet done so, but the faithful hold that they, too, shall come to pass.

Barney E. Warren read those verses and wrote this refrain:

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Full of glory, full of glory;

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Oh, the half has never yet been told.

How true. Only the first half has been accomplished. There is so much more to come, more to be done. Warren’s stanzas are a celebration of that unspeakable joy:

I have found His grace is all complete,

He supplieth every need;

While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet,

I am free, yes, free indeed.

I have found the pleasure I once craved,

It is joy and peace within;

What a wondrous blessing, I am saved

From the awful gulf of sin.

I have found that hope so bright and clear,

Living in the realm of grace;

Oh, the Savior’s presence is so near,

I can see His smiling face.

I have found the joy no tongue can tell,

How its waves of glory roll;

It is like a great o’erflowing well,

Springing up within my soul.