#soap # 3 John 1.4 ## Title: Joy in the Right Things ## Scripture: (3 John 1:4) “I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are living according to the truth.” (NET) ## Observation: Joy and happiness are two different things. Happiness is based on the “happenings” of life. If it is sunny outside, we are happy. When it is raining, we may be sad. When we get the promotion, we are happy. When we are let go, we may be sad. Happiness is conditional based on changing circumstances. Joy is a position of the heart. Joy is a decision based upon what we know and not based on how we feel. John is saying that he has joy because he has heard something wonderful. He has heard that his children, or those he is a spiritual father to, are following the truth. When the circumstances of life are difficult, it is important that we find the joy and hold onto it. John is writing this during a time of great persecution. He has already walked through the deaths of all the other apostles. He alone is left. Yet, he still has joy based on what God is doing in the lives of others. ## Application: Find something that is not connected to your feelings that can bring you joy today. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for always doing more than we can see. Help us to see one of those truths and settle our hearts in it today.