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Believe Week 22 “Increasing Your Joy”
Pastor Jerry Reddy
September 17, 2017
Galatians 5:22-25, “But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life (joy), serenity… Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives”. (MSG)
Key Question:“What gives us true happiness and contentment in life?”
Key Idea: “Despite my ______, I feel inner contentment and understand my purpose in life”.
John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete”. (NIV)
…”Yes, your cup of joy will overflow!” (TLB)
“What’s the Secret to Increasing Your Joy?”
1. You must ______It clearly (realistic vs. unrealistic expectations about life)
Philippians 2:17, “But I will rejoice even if I lose my life… And I want all of you to share that joy”. (NLT)
· Understand it’s ______
“Joy is the ______that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice ______in every situation”.(Kay Warren “Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough”)
Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (NIV)
Psalms 16:11, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever”. (NLT)
· Understand it’s ______for a healthy, flourishing life
(Remember: joy is strength; but the absence or lack of joy is weakness)
Nehemiah 8:10, “Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (NIV)
Galatians 4:15, “You were very happy then, but where is that joy now?” (NCV)
1. Be willing ______for it consistently (be mindful of both joy busters and joy builders)
Habakkuk 3:17-18, “Though the fig tree does not budand there are no grapes on the vines,though the olive crop failsand the fields produce no food,though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,yet I will rejoice in the Lord,I will be joyful in God my Savior”. (NIV)
Philippians 4:11-12, “I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little... Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am”. (MSG)
Ways to Inject More Joy into your Schedule…
· ______through gratitude (Ps. 118:24)
· ______through worship
Psalms 122:1, “When they said, “Let’s go to the house of God,”my heart leaped for joy.And now we’re here, O Jerusalem, inside Jerusalem’s walls!” (MSG)
· Regularly with ______activities (activities that breathe life into your soul and make you feel fully alive with wonder, joy, and delight)
1 Timothy 6:17, “…God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment”. (NIV)
· Faithfully with a ______about eternity (prayer, Scripture engagement, past and present Joy mentors)
1 Peter 1:8-9, “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls”. (NLT)