Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls (1 Pet. 1:8-9).

Pro basketball star, Jeremy Lin, was having a bad year. In the midst of a terrible slump, he posted on the internet, “I am in the fight of my life for joy … Only when I focus on who God is … and how much He loves me, am I able to live with joy and freedom.”

How could he say this? Because he put on his gospel glasses. Then, he read sports headlines of criticism through the lenses of God’s approval and affection that would remain long after critics were gone. He used the absence of the world’s acclaim to focus on the eternity of God’s love. 

The same can be true for us! No matter what we’re presently facing, when we focus on the grace of God that has no limit in amount or duration then we’re able to live with continuing joy. Such joy is true freedom from voices of criticism in the world or from within.

Prayer:
Father, when the outcomes of my life seems joyless, please help me to focus on the outcome of my faith, the salvation of my soul and eternity with you.