Finding Joy

Pastor Phil preached a wonderful sermon this morning on finding joy in our lives. I wanted to recap it here to keep it in my memory and in an accessible place. One of my goals is to transfer the many things that I have collected over the years that are a blessing to me onto this blog and rid our home of all the paper trails that lead to them :).



Finding Joy - Phillipians

*Joy is a decision on our part. It starts with our attitude - our thought process. Here are some steps to having true joy in our lives:

1. Discard the regrets of the past - Stop looking back!! - In Philippians 3:13-14 Paul says "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." If the sins of the past steal my joy, remember if I have repented, God has forgiven and forgotten and so should I. Isaiah 43:18-19 "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing"!!!
2.  Determine not to worry about the future- Philippians 4:6-7 - "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." We can't worry and have joy at the same time! We can worry or we can pray. The choice is ours! Read Luke 12:22-34!!
3. Discover God's purpose for you - (Philippians 1:20-21) There is more to life than just going through the motions. Living for myself will not bring me joy. It is not about me!! My life must be yielded to God for His purpose and use - Romans 6:13
4. Dwell on the good!! - Philippians 4:8-9 - There is good and bad in every life. Where is my focus? my perspective? Good is found in God's Word. We are to think on these things: true things, noble things, just things, pure things, lovely things, things of good report, virtuous things, things that are praise worthy. Meditating on these things bring us the peace of God.
5. Decide to help others - Philippians 4:1 - Some of Paul's joy was found in his investment in others and we can also find joy in investing in other people's lives!
6. Depend on God and be content- Philippians 4:11 - "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." Notice that Paul said, "for I have learned". Contentment is not a natural state of mind. It is something that we must learn!

Two reasons that I can have joy in any circumstance of life:

1. God is in control
2. God will work it all out for good! (Philippians 1:6)

I CHOOSE JOY!!!

Contentment

The dictionary defines being content as "desiring no more than what one has; satisfied" and "ready to accept or acquiesce; willing". Both definitions can speak to our attitude - "Am I satisfied with what God has graciously given me (whether emotionally, relationally, materially or spiritually) or do I envy what others have?" and "Am I content, ready and willing to accept the place where I find myself today knowing that God loves me and is in control?"

I am reading a great book, "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl," by Lysa Terkeurst, president of Proverbs 31 ministries. The following insight touched my heart - "Maybe this is the true secret to being fulfilled and content -Living in the moment with God, defined by His truth and with no unrealistic expectations for others or things to fill me up. Not reaching back for what was lost in my yesterdays and not reaching for what I hope will be in my tomorrow, but living fully with what is right in front of me and truly seeing the gift of this moment."

Proverbs 19:23 (ESV) "The fear of the Lord leads to life and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm."

Jesus, you came so that I might have life and have it more abundantly! Lord, true contentment rests in You!! Help me each day to look up and not around me to find contentment. Then help me to reach out to those around me with gentleness, kindness and love directing them to you as the Source of contentment!