Rejoice in an Inexpressible Way

1 Peter 1:6-9
⁶In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ 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, ⁹obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

When trials come upon us we have a choice. We can complain, vent, find some other functional savior OR we can bring our requests to God and rejoice. We do not rejoice in the trial but in the result of the trial. As we turn to Christ as our savior in times of trial, He is making us a new person. As Mark Driscoll puts it, trials hurt because we are, "being birthed into new life. Like a mother in the travails of childbirth. In that we rejoice."

Having trouble rejoicing? In 1 Peter 1:3-9 alone, we are given plenty of reasons to rejoice.

1. God is great in mercy vv.3
2. He has given us new birth vv.3
3. the resurrection of Christ gives us a Living Hope vv. 3
4. we are heirs and sons of God vv. 4
5. that inheritance is kept safe in Heaven vv.4
6. we are hedged in and shielded by the power of God! vv.5
7. salvation is already prepared to be revealed vv. 5
8. your pain is only for a little while vv. 6
9. we are being purified vv. 7
10. Christ will come for you vv. 7
    
11. you love Him because He loves you vv. 8
12. you do not see Him and yet believe (John 20:29) vv. 8
13. you are receiving the goal of your faith - salvation vv.

Rejoice in an inexpressible way as the Spirit himself intercedes with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26).
And finally, a word from my friend Charlie:

"This depression comes over me whenever the Lord is preparing a larger blessing for my ministry. The cloud is black before it breaks and overshadows before it yields its deluge of mercy.

Depression has now become to me as a prophet in rough clothing, a John the Baptist heralding the nearer coming of my Lord’s richer benison. So have far better men found it. The scouring of the vessel has fitted it for the Master’s use.

Immersion in suffering has preceded the filling of the Holy Ghost. Fasting gives an appetite for the banquet. The Lord is revealed in the backside of the desert, while His servant keeps the sheep and waits in solitary awe.

The wilderness is the way to Canaan. The low valley leads to the towering mountain. Defeat prepares for victory. The raven is sent forth before the dove. The darkest hour of the night precedes the day-dawn.

The mariners go down to the depths, but the next wave makes them mount to the heaven. Their soul is melted because of trouble before He bringeth them to their desired haven."

-“When a Preacher is Downcast”, Charles H. Spurgeon

Take heart and rejoice my friend, there is far more growth in the valley than on the mountain top. The fog is giving you a spirit of wisdom and revelation that you may know your LORD more.