Can there be anything that brings us greater joy than knowing we are God’s children, He cares for us, and is preparing a place for us for the remainder of eternity? Such confidence enables us to face whatever challenges we encounter in life with confidence. It helps us keep an eternal perspective on our life. It gives us hope for the future. It enables us to face our inevitable decline and death with boldness.
God’s desire for us is that we have joy (John 15:11). He is not content with us being happy. It is not sufficient that we be somewhat joyful, sometimes. Those who truly understand and embrace the Christian life will be filled with joy. To live any other way is for us to resign ourselves to less than God intends. When you are joyless, it ought to alert you that something in your life is not as it should be.
That is why the apostle John wrote what he did. He wanted to provide you a basis for assurance of your salvation, so you might have joy. Have you been immersing yourself in Scripture? Have God’s words provided you confidence in His activity in your life? Have you claimed God’s promises by faith? God has provided His word so we can know we are Christians and so we can have joy. Abide in His word and live your life with joy.