A Thrill of Hope: Joy
Christmas Series Part III JOY
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Luke 2:10 NIV
1.) Joy is a focus before it is a feeling
JOY is a point of view.
True Joy frees you from the need of feeling a certain way.
“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 NIV
He set joy before him.
Jesus didn’t find joy in the event, He found joy in the guaranteed outcome of the event.
There is a big difference when you go through pain with purpose than to go through pain without any purpose.
Joy is a focus before it is a feeling. most people chase feelings, while God calls us to focus.
If you can flip the flow from feelings to focus, you already have more joy than you’re aware of.
“Are we really happy?” comparison is the thief of Joy.
“For the joy set before him” you can’t be looking all around and expect to have Joy.
You can’t judge your situation according to other people’s calling and expect to have joy.
You can’t judge your own gifts in accordance to other people’s talents and expect to have joy.
You’re praying for more joy yet you’re destroying the joy God has given you, by what you’re focusing on.
“The Joy of the Lord is your stength” -Nemeiah 8:10b
God told Moses his name at the burning bush.
“I am.” not “I will be,” or “I was.”
It is echoed in Psalm 16.
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalms 16:11 NKJV
2.) True Joy will only come into your life when you’re focused on what God is doing in your life.
You cannot focus on what God is doing in your life in this moment if you’re consumed with somebody else’s life.
You cannot focus on what God is doing as long as you’re living in regret and bitterness.
A lot of our lack of joy is really not about possession, it’s about our position.
He set joy before Him, it’s not a question of God’s presence. His presence is everywhere.
It’s not “is He present?” the question is “are you present?”
Are you present in this moment, are you present in the trial, are you present in the worship service?
Some people can’t enjoy it because they’re to busy trying to post it.
You can only affect your future from the present.
In order to find Fullness of Joy in God’s presence, you must bring Him into your presence.
You cannot choose Joy, you can only choose your priorities, and your priorities control your joy.
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:5-11 ESV
Where your joy comes from will determine when it will run out, the way you can know this is by your priorities.
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
John 15:7 ESV
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
John 15:11 ESV
Don’t settle for partial joy, or superficial joy, but this Christmas, it’s time to own true joy.
It’s not about the gifts under a tree, but the gift who hung on a tree
Joy doesn’t flow from what it is but from who God is to you.
