Laughter and Singing

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"You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him--with laughter and singing." (1Peter 1:8, The Message).

Imagine Peter's delight in watching a generation rise up of those who never saw Jesus -- but yet loved and believed in Him. Not only that, but they believed in the face of great difficulties and strong opposition; they loved and trusted Jesus without seeing any evidence of His presence. And furthermore -- they did all this with laughter and singing!

Their behavior proved their belief. Something far greater than this world held their hearts, and as a result their lives were unleashed with joy and praise -- even though their world was falling apart!

It is indeed a mysterious thing that the Lord does when He lifts the loads we carry through life, and enables us to then lift our heads and see life from His point of view. Yes, we may have to put up with all kinds of aggravations, but we do so realizing that pure gold put in the fire comes out proved pure.

In the same manner, genuine faith put through suffering comes out of it proved genuine. And after all, isn't that what you really want? To be proven pure and genuine?

So whatever is going on is this topsy-turvy world, filled with strife created by greed, lift your vision higher and look unto Jesus. And let your life be marked by laughter and singing -- knowing that God has His eyes on you, and is committed to proving you true.
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