June 3 2018 - Choosing to Rejoice, Always

June 3, 2018 Choosing to Rejoice, Always God has joy– Adam/Eve had joy in the Garden and Satan came and steals their joy. It is a command to “Be Joyful” Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. James 1:2 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, John 16:24 - Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. John 15:11 - I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-9 - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Paul wrote these words while in prison and soon to be executed. We will have struggles but we can still be filled with joy. Paul said that in verse 11 - for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Verse 12 to 13 - I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. In Psalm 22 the psalmist is in despair - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. In Psalm 23 – the psalmist is full of joy Joy is not a feeling, but a command – It is obedience to God to be joyful. Joy is a choice!  An attitude to practice it. We make that decision to be joyful. I will obey Jesus or I will let my feelings control me. Rejoice always – focus on the hope we have in Christ. Despite trouble, my soul is find because Jesus and His Spirit control us. How do I obey this command to be joyful? Examine your relationship with Jesus – Trust Him to save you Walk with Jesus – Think about Him, ask Him to help you. Determine to be like Him. Be obedient to Jesus. Think about the big picture – eternity – Magnify God – troubles get smaller. Take care of strained relationships ASAP. Forgive people quickly Praise God. Magnify God. Don’t withdraw – get busy serving the Lord. Bring Glory to His name. Think about God every day. He will bring you Joy. Say I am not going to live by my feelings, rather by my faith in the Lord Jesus. I really do trust Him. Do you know joy? It is available. Do you want joy?  Decide I’m going to be joyful.