Who stole my joy – Sept. 11, 22
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
The World gives kinds of joy/happiness
Happiness isn’t necessarily wrong…
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
Isaiah 55:1-2 Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.
Acts 13:49-52 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord.
2 Corinthians 8:2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
I want some of that!! (joy that transcends circumstances)
Shift from enjoying to depending
Where do you go to depend on for your Peace? Fulfillment? JOY?
Exodus 34:14 You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.
Idolatry: trust people, possessions, or positions to do for me what only God can do.
No Thing makes you happy
Joy is about a Who than a What
Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence
Supernatural Joy is found in the presence of God
The secret to having more love – or peace or joy or faith or any fruit of the Spirit is enjoying God more. Mike Bickel
What does the Joy of the Lord feel like?
How will we walk in joy this week?
Ecclesiastes 3:13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
If we think we will have joy only by praying and singing psalms, we will be disillusioned. But if we fill our lives with simple good things and constantly thank God for them, we will be joyful, that is, full of joy. Richard Foster