Unexpected Joy | December 10, 2023 | Attention
Do you struggle to maintain joy during tough times? Remember, joy is not just an emotion but a mindset you can cultivate. Choose to take a posture of joy and focus on the good, even in challenging circumstances. Let Philippians 4:4 be your reminder to stay positive and start each day with a joyful heart. Appreciate God's kindness and always remember that He is with you. What step can you take today to cultivate joy in your life and remind yourself of God's presence?
KEY VERSES
Philippians 4:4 NLT: 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
2 Corinthians 11:24-28 NLT: 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.
James 1:2-3 NLT: 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Romans 8:28 NLT: 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Philippians 4:5 NLT: 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT: 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8-9 NLT: 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
HEARING WHAT GOD IS SAYING
One of the best ways to hear what God is saying right now is to look at what He has said in the Bible with a few friends. Discovery Bible Study is an easy-to-use way to hear from God, make good changes in our lives, and share with others what God is up to. Grab some friends, pick a verse or story from above and dive in deeper to this week’s message.
Recap
+ Reconnect
+ Recap
Discovering What God Is Saying
+ Read and Retell the Bible Story
+ Read and Look
+ Read and Look Again
Doing What God Is Saying
+ Consider
Sharing what God is saying
+ Praying Together
+ Share
GIVING
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