Daily Devotional
Are You Searching for Happiness?
“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
October 8, 2023
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.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
