Joy Will Come

(Revelation 12:10) “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. (Revelation 12:11) “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;”   Title of Message: Joy Will Come   (Philippians 1:3-6) “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   Joy vs. Happiness   Happiness is external. Joy is internal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Happiness is based on circumstances. Joy is based on Christ. (Philippians 4:11) “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Happiness is based on chance. Joy is based on choice. (Deuteronomy 30:19) “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…”   How can I find joy?   1. Get over the distraction of what happened. (Philippians 1:12) “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”   (Philippians 2:5) “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:”   (Philippians 1:12) “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” 2. Discover the new opportunities. (Philippians 1:13-14) “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”   “Nothing will stop Freedom from bringing God glory.” “Freedom will prevail!!!!!! Still living for the good of others, even when they take from us!!!”   “Praying! We shall overcome the enemy!”   3. Focus on what really matters.   (Philippians 1:21) “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”