April 3, 2006
And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
--1 John 1:4
John was very concerned, when he gave us this letter so long ago, that we experience the reality of Jesus Christ in our lives and the joy that He gives.
He was concerned because he knew from experience the many tricks and lies the devil uses to steal our joy.
One of those lies tells us that joy equals happiness. Our culture tells us that “being happy” is one of the loftiest achievements in life. But really, happiness is dependent on our circumstances. And circumstances change so much that it’s impossible to depend on them to make us happy!
That true joy… that inner happiness… only comes from knowing Jesus Christ.
So today I want to ask you, are you experiencing the joy that comes from an intimate relationship with the Lord? Or are you letting the circumstances of life steal that joy?
I’m confident that the more you focus on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) — and not all the negative stuff going on around you — the deeper and more real your joy in Christ will be!
TRUE JOY COMES FROM KNOWING JESUS CHRIST.