We struggled to find words to capture FOCUS24.

It was our largest retreat yet with over 280 young people attending. It was beautiful to see all the various ways God moved in the lives of the people who attended. People saw major breakthroughs in their relationship with Joy and the bible.

Here is a recap of what happened

https://youtu.be/a5OONzrRdHc

Joy Unspeakable in the Bible: A Deeper Look at Its Meaning

The phrase “joy unspeakable” originates from 1 Peter 1:8, where the apostle Peter describes the profound, inexpressible joy believers experience through their faith in Christ: “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.” This joy transcends human emotions and can’t fully be described in words. Here are three key points on what it means to have “joy unspeakable” in a biblical context:

1. Joy Rooted in Faith, Not Circumstances

Biblical joy is not dependent on external circumstances but flows from a deep trust and relationship with God. Even in trials, believers experience joy because it comes from knowing that their salvation is secure in Christ. James 1:2-3 urges believers to “consider it pure joy” when facing trials because the testing of faith produces perseverance. “Joy unspeakable” is a joy that remains steadfast, even in the face of hardship, because it is anchored in the eternal promises of God, not in temporary earthly situations.

2. A Foretaste of Eternal Glory

“Joy unspeakable” offers a glimpse of the future glory that awaits believers in heaven. In Romans 8:18, Paul writes that the sufferings of the present time are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed. This inexpressible joy is tied to the hope of resurrection, eternal life, and the presence of God. It points to a reality beyond the temporal, giving believers a sense of peace and overwhelming joy as they look forward to eternal fellowship with Christ.

3. A Gift of the Holy Spirit

In Galatians 5:22, joy is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. This means that “joy unspeakable” is not something we manufacture ourselves, but rather a gift that flows from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. It is a supernatural joy, cultivated by the Spirit, that fills our hearts even when human understanding fails to grasp its depth. This joy reflects the intimate relationship between the believer and God, as it grows stronger through communion with Him.

We hope you will considering joining us FOCUS25: Just Jesus