When each of our daughters was born, my wife and I were filled with joy over this new life that had been entrusted to our care. We thought about them constantly, talked about them, and were eager to share them with others. They had irrevocably changed our lives for the better, making us more complete. They are, quite simply, our pride and joy. It’s natural for parents to have a huge sense of joy over a child. It should also be natural for all of us, as believers, to have a similar spiritual joy in our salvation. The Apostle Paul actually prayed for such a sense of joyous well being in his converts, saying, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13).

Paul wasn’t asking the Lord to give believers a subdued sense of joy that no one could see. He wanted them to be bubbling over with joy. Paul may have had several Old Testament examples in mind. When Israel returned from captivity, David said, “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing, then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them” (Psalm 126:2). Isaiah’s testimony was, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God, for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness…as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10). It is this kind of joy that should regularly permeate every believer “in believing.” Our joy should not be dependent upon material things or circumstances. It should be a constant part of who we are. Our faith in Christ should fill our mouths with singing and praise. Our souls should rest in the assurance of eternal security. Our joy should enable us to “abound in hope” [or confident expectation], as we wait to be taken into the presence of Christ. Thankfully, this condition of joyous victory is not achieved by our own effort. It comes through “the power of the Holy Ghost” as we walk in close communion with the Lord and His Word each day.

Since Paul prayed for others that new life in Christ would produce joyous victory, we should too. Right now is a good time to ask the Lord to make your salvation your pride and joy.