1 Peter 1:5,6 “who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice” “In this you greatly rejoice”. What brings us joy? What pleasures are we pursuing? There are many things that are fine, as long as we do them in moderation. Our greatest joy should be our salvation that is to be revealed as we step into heaven. This may seem too abstract and too distant. Let’s address that. What is this salvation that we are to be greatly rejoicing in? It’s not just a ticket to heaven. It’s our restored relationship with Christ. As we accept Him as lord and savior, the separation wall that our sin created is knocked down. We are now connected to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are loving on us beyond what we will ever conceive. He gives us a peace and rest that settles our unrest and dissatisfaction (Philipians 4:7). A natural gratitude wells up within. This is part of what Peter is talking about. Salvation isn’t just after this life. It begins here and is fulfilled there. There are plenty of things that wonderfully affect us now. Another part of that salvation is deliverance from sin. Many of us were slaves to it. Through time He helps us master those. Genesis 4:7 has The Lord advising Cain about sin: 7″If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” He ends with “you must master it.” If we are submitting to Him, He will help us. This is wonderful. We originally delve into sin because it’s pleasurable. It’s said of Moses in Hebrews 11:24-25 “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” The pleasures of sin are passing. Once the pleasurable part is gone, then we are left with a habit that brings misery and damages relationships. With some, it ruins their lives. God wants to free us from this (Romans 6:7). While in this life we are prone to stumble. However, the freedom we have is brings us much joy. So, there is much gratitude within us. Being in connection to God is another. That God shaped appetite within finally gets filled. As we begin to trust Him, we flooded with His peace and joy. Lord, thank You for all of the wonderful things that You do for us. Most importantly thank You that You’ve adopted us. Help us to be ever more grateful.