PRAY OVER THIS
“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
1 John 1:3-4
PONDER THIS
You can be a lost person and be happy for a while. Happiness depends on what happens; joy depends on the Lord. If you live for happiness, you’re a prisoner of circumstances; if the circumstances change, you’re not happy anymore. But Jesus never changes. Happiness is cosmetic; it’s on the outside. Joy is character; it’s on the inside. Happiness only meets your surface needs; joy meets your deepest needs. Happiness is like a thermometer; it just registers conditions. Joy is the thermostat that controls the conditions. Happiness evaporates in a crisis. Joy, many times, intensifies in a crisis. Happiness is wonderful. We’re talking about miles of smiles, but let me tell you something, friend—happiness is at its fullest when it is mingled with joy, when you know the joy of the Lord. John was saying the joyful life comes from God. It is real, it is a fact, it is established, and it results in a fellowship experience. There’s a koinonia. We have fellowship with God and with one another, and there’s fullness in joy. This is joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Have you experienced full joy in Jesus?
How does John’s message of the true fellowship you have with God give you hope today?
PRACTICE THIS
Listen to a friend’s testimony about how he or she has experienced the joy of the Lord.
LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers
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