1 John 1:4: And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
How true it is that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21)! So, whoever really perceives what fellowship with God is will be satisfied with it alone and will no more burn with desires for other things. “Lord,” says David, “you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places” (Psalm 16:5–6). Similarly, Paul declares that he considered everything “rubbish” in comparison with Christ alone (Philippians 3:8). Therefore, those who have become proficient in the Gospel are those who think themselves happy to have communion with God and are satisfied only with that, so that they prefer it to the whole world and are ready for its sake to relinquish everything else. 1
Loving Him
The world can only offer you happiness, but it can never provided it with any lasting results. The pursuit of worldly treasures only leads to a greater desire for more worldliness. The pursuit of Jesus will always leads to the fullness of joy. Being filled with His joy does not make you obsolete in this world. Being filled with godly joy is a very attractive quality. It means you have chosen to separate yourself from the darkness of the world, and you have chosen to be a light to those who are lost, or living with no hope. When the joy of the Lord is your strength, you will become very fruitful for the Kingdom of God. John the Baptist said it best: “Less of me and more of You.” Let’s pray that prayer today. Dear God, empty me of myself, and fill me with the fullness of You.
Loving Others
Happiness is based upon me, joy is based upon Him. – TWEET IT
Changing Me
Lord, thank You for coming to earth, so that we could have life and have it more abundantly, by knowing You, and following You, and living for You alone.
1. Calvin, J., & Henry, M. (1998). 1, 2, & 3 John. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.