The Pursuit of Joy, Week 4: Never Ending Joy

For most, life is all about the pursuit of happiness. We chase after the boy, the girl, the car, the job and the American Dream only to find that happiness is a moving target.  While happiness is short lived and good times are in short supply, there is still the pursuit of something better, something lasting, something called JOY. In this four-week study of the book of Philippians we will go on a quest to unlock the power of joy in our lives.  You'll discover the secret to a happiness that doesn't change with the stock market or the weather.  It's time to begin the pursuit of a lifetime—the pursuit of joy. "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)   "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)  Never Ending Joy "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 (NIV)  1.   Worry about nothing."Do not be anxious about anything…" Philippians 4:6 (NIV)  "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:27 (NIV)  "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 (NIV)  2.   Pray about everything."…in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6 (NIV)  "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)  "…And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 (NIV)3.   Think about the right things."Finally, brothers, 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." Philippians 4:8 (NIV)  "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…" Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)   4.   Be content with my things."I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11 (NIV)  "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." Philippians 4:12 (NIV)   "But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)  5.   Trust God for all things."I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV) "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)  For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.