Choosing Joy: Embracing Hope Amidst Life's Challenges

 

Summary

Finding joy amidst life's challenges is a profound journey that requires us to look beyond our circumstances and into the heart of God's promises. Today, we celebrate the beauty of unity and diversity, acknowledging that while some may find joy in this day, others may experience sorrow. We recognize the complexity of emotions and the reality of pain, yet we are called to rejoice in the day the Lord has made, as stated in Psalm 118:24. This moment is a gift from God, and we are encouraged to find joy regardless of our situation.

Reflecting on Paul's letters to the Philippians, we see a man who, despite being imprisoned, chose to sing praises to God. This illustrates that joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a deliberate choice. Joy and pain can coexist, as John Mark Comer suggests, because we live in the tension between the now and the not yet. Our hope lies in the expectation that God will use our struggles for good.

C.S. Lewis reminds us that joy is a gift from God, not something we can manufacture. It is like gold hidden in the mud, waiting to be discovered. We are encouraged to look for joy, even in the midst of suffering, as it is a testament to God's faithfulness. Through the stories of others, like Cathy Scott, we learn that joy can be found in the most challenging circumstances, as we belong to God and He holds us close.

Paul's message to the Philippians emphasizes that suffering is not without purpose. It is a privilege to share in Christ's sufferings, as it points others to Him. Our response to adversity can shine like stars in a dark world, drawing others to the light of Christ. We are called to imitate those who have found joy in the sludge, learning from their experiences and allowing God to use our struggles for His glory.

In our journey, we must remember that it is okay not to be okay. We can cry out to God, as the psalmists did, and find solace in His presence. By choosing to focus on the joy that comes from knowing Jesus, we can experience the power of His resurrection and the hope of eternal life. Our little sacrifices, though seemingly insignificant, matter to God and those around us. Let us rejoice in the Lord, knowing that He is with us, using our lives to bring about His purposes.

Key Takeaways:

1. Joy as a Deliberate Choice: Joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a deliberate choice we make, even in the midst of pain and suffering. It is a gift from God, like gold hidden in the mud, waiting to be discovered. [29:11]

2. The Coexistence of Joy and Pain: Joy and pain can coexist because we live in the tension between the now and the not yet. Our hope lies in the expectation that God will use our struggles for good, as we live under His rule. [33:39]

3. Suffering with Purpose: Suffering is not without purpose. It is a privilege to share in Christ's sufferings, as it points others to Him. Our response to adversity can shine like stars in a dark world, drawing others to the light of Christ. [38:47]

4. The Power of Vulnerability: It is okay not to be okay. We can cry out to God, as the psalmists did, and find solace in His presence. By choosing to focus on the joy that comes from knowing Jesus, we can experience the power of His resurrection and the hope of eternal life. [40:00]

5. The Impact of Small Sacrifices: Our little sacrifices, though seemingly insignificant, matter to God and those around us. Let us rejoice in the Lord, knowing that He is with us, using our lives to bring about His purposes. [52:36]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Unity and Celebration
- [02:30] - Acknowledging Sorrow and Pain
- [04:15] - Finding Joy in the Present
- [06:00] - Paul's Imprisonment and Joy
- [08:45] - Joy as a Deliberate Choice
- [11:30] - The Coexistence of Joy and Pain
- [14:00] - Joy as a Gift from God
- [16:30] - Finding Gold in the Sludge
- [19:00] - Suffering with Purpose
- [21:45] - The Power of Vulnerability
- [24:30] - The Impact of Small Sacrifices
- [27:00] - Rejoicing in the Lord
- [29:45] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
2. Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
3. Philippians 1:29-30 - "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Psalm 118:24 encourage us to do, regardless of our circumstances? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about finding joy in the present moment? [29:11]

2. In Philippians 4:4, Paul repeats the command to rejoice. Why do you think he emphasizes this instruction to the Philippians, especially considering their situation? [38:06]

3. How does the sermon describe the coexistence of joy and pain, and what biblical examples are given to illustrate this concept? [33:39]

4. What are some examples from the sermon of people finding joy in difficult circumstances, and how do these stories reflect the message of Philippians 1:29-30? [40:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of joy as a deliberate choice challenge or affirm your understanding of joy in the Christian life? [29:11]

2. The sermon mentions that suffering is a privilege that points others to Christ. How does this perspective align with or differ from your own views on suffering? [38:47]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that vulnerability and acknowledging our struggles can lead to a deeper experience of joy and connection with God? [40:00]

4. How does the idea of small sacrifices being significant to God and others encourage you to view your daily actions and decisions? [52:36]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How might choosing joy in that situation have changed your experience or perspective? [29:11]

2. The sermon suggests that joy and pain can coexist. Can you think of a time when you experienced both emotions simultaneously? How did you navigate that tension? [33:39]

3. Consider a current struggle you are facing. How can you find purpose in this suffering, and how might it point others to Christ? [38:47]

4. Vulnerability is highlighted as a way to connect with God and others. How can you practice vulnerability in your relationships this week? [40:00]

5. Identify a small sacrifice you can make this week that could have a positive impact on those around you. How does knowing that these sacrifices matter to God motivate you? [52:36]

6. Think about a person in your life who is going through a difficult time. How can you support them in finding joy amidst their challenges?

7. How can you incorporate the practice of rejoicing in the Lord into your daily routine, especially during difficult times? [38:06]

Devotional

Day 1: Joy as a Deliberate Choice
Joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a deliberate choice we make, even in the midst of pain and suffering. It is a gift from God, like gold hidden in the mud, waiting to be discovered. In the midst of life's challenges, we are called to look beyond our immediate circumstances and into the heart of God's promises. This perspective allows us to celebrate the beauty of unity and diversity, acknowledging that while some may find joy, others may experience sorrow. Yet, we are encouraged to rejoice in the day the Lord has made, as stated in Psalm 118:24. This moment is a gift from God, and we are encouraged to find joy regardless of our situation. [29:11]

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to find joy? How can you choose to see God's promises in that situation today?


Day 2: The Coexistence of Joy and Pain
Joy and pain can coexist because we live in the tension between the now and the not yet. Our hope lies in the expectation that God will use our struggles for good, as we live under His rule. Reflecting on Paul's letters to the Philippians, we see a man who, despite being imprisoned, chose to sing praises to God. This illustrates that joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a deliberate choice. Joy and pain can coexist, as John Mark Comer suggests, because we live in the tension between the now and the not yet. [33:39]

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced both joy and pain simultaneously? How can you hold onto hope that God will use your struggles for good?


Day 3: Suffering with Purpose
Suffering is not without purpose. It is a privilege to share in Christ's sufferings, as it points others to Him. Our response to adversity can shine like stars in a dark world, drawing others to the light of Christ. Through the stories of others, like Cathy Scott, we learn that joy can be found in the most challenging circumstances, as we belong to God and He holds us close. Paul's message to the Philippians emphasizes that suffering is not without purpose. [38:47]

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." (Philippians 1:29, ESV)

Reflection: How can your response to suffering point others to Christ? What is one way you can shine like a star in a dark world today?


Day 4: The Power of Vulnerability
It is okay not to be okay. We can cry out to God, as the psalmists did, and find solace in His presence. By choosing to focus on the joy that comes from knowing Jesus, we can experience the power of His resurrection and the hope of eternal life. In our journey, we must remember that it is okay not to be okay. We can cry out to God, as the psalmists did, and find solace in His presence. [40:00]

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18, ESV)

Reflection: When was the last time you allowed yourself to be vulnerable before God? How can you find solace in His presence today?


Day 5: The Impact of Small Sacrifices
Our little sacrifices, though seemingly insignificant, matter to God and those around us. Let us rejoice in the Lord, knowing that He is with us, using our lives to bring about His purposes. Our little sacrifices, though seemingly insignificant, matter to God and those around us. Let us rejoice in the Lord, knowing that He is with us, using our lives to bring about His purposes. [52:36]

"And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42, ESV)

Reflection: What small sacrifice can you make today that could have a significant impact on someone else? How can you offer this sacrifice joyfully to God?

Quotes


Today we will look at finding the good news of joy even when things go wrong now late last Thursday I was reflecting about today and I was praying and a verse came to mind I was surprised but I think it's highly relevant it's not in the New Testament it's not in the New Testament it's not in the notes it's on the slide sorry guys it was a bit late to get input to go on the slides it's Psalm 118 verse 24 and you might be familiar with it today this is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it but the message that lies in this passage in fact in the whole Psalm is about the good news of Jesus today is the day that we have in fact this moment is the only moment that we can really be certain about it's given to us by God so we are asked to rejoice no matter what the circumstances are that's what today is all about [00:29:11] (63 seconds)


Well we've been reading from Paul's letter to the church in Philippi it's a place and a people that he really loved and if you were able to catch Toby's sermon a few weeks ago you would have heard that he was reading from Acts 16 and it was set set in a Philippian prison Paul was there he was cold he was uncomfortable it was damp and dark and there was little prospect for release but when he writes this letter to Philippi he's back in prison again a little bit more comfortable is in Rome this time but he's still in prison and you know I can imagine him thinking about that and thinking about the prison and about the church and the work that he does but there's a very clear struggle between the two that he's so chafe of the chains on his feet the smell of the room wouldn't have been good the lack of sleep and food and this was not a joyous place but guess what he did him and his mate Silas sang they sang at the top of their voices praising God in the mud in the smell in the pain isn't it amazing well we are learning in this series that joy is not circumstantial it's a deliberate choice [00:29:11] (80 seconds)


John Mark Comer, in one of his podcasts on joy, talks about a tension between the now and the not yet. The now is kind of tainted and riddled with disappointment, with brokenness, suffering and pain, but there's also this longing for something yet to come. And that's the reign of God. It's here, but it will be fully complete when Jesus comes. And I'll quote him here. He says, Because we live in this age, we feel sorrow. But because we also live with at least one foot, we feel sorrow. If not more, in the age to come, we live on earth and, in a sense, we live in heaven because we live under the rule of God. We also feel joy. Not sorrow or joy, but sorrow and joy. [00:33:39] (54 seconds)


Now, C .S. Lewis, you might be familiar with him, in his book, Surprised by Joy, states that joy is never in our power, but pleasure often is. Joy is a gift. He calls it the serious business of heaven. It comes from God. So by this definition, we can't make joy happen. We can't work for it or build it or create it. We have to look for it. Look for the joy. Has anyone been panicked? I've got a few nods. I think I did this as a kid. I think I did it at Beaconsfield or it might have been Sovereign Hill. I haven't got a good memory. It involves getting a pan and you scoop up the mud with water and you give it a little shuffle and all the mud and stuff floats to the top and you tip that off and it reveals gold underneath. The little nuggets. I don't really think it was real gold, but anyway, I thought it was when I was six. So you shuffle it and you find this gold that you're actually panicking over. at the bottom. You know, joy is like gold in the mud. It's there, but you just have to look for it. [00:33:39] (73 seconds)


The discussion centres on the rawness and the realness of the sludge, and how she found real joy, real gold in the middle of it. And in summary, Cathy makes some observations. She says that we live in both the natural and in the natural. In the supernatural world. But notes that there is joy that comes from knowing that she belongs to him, that he's got her no matter what, and that there are opportunities, opportunities to share the journey and God's faithfulness by supporting others and being. supported along the way. You belong to him. You belong to him. [00:36:00] (48 seconds)


Philippians 4 verse 4 says, Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. The Philippian church was facing persecution, and that's a big, nasty thing. It's a nasty word. And without the details, as there might be children in the room, it was not nice. They were scared, and Paul was reassuring them that God had them close, and that their oppressors would face judgment. He makes that same statement repeatedly. Now, if someone you know or something is giving you a hard time, God may or may not take it away. But either way, he's got you, and he's near. Bear with me. [00:40:00] (55 seconds)


For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but suffering for him as well. Since you were having the same struggle that you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Okay, so this here is a little bit weird. Paul is describing suffering as a good thing. A privilege, in fact. The privilege of believing. Well, you know, I can get that, but suffering? Aren't we meant to avoid suffering? Well, culture and context is pretty important when you're dealing with this in ancient texts. So let me explain something. Tim Keller makes the point that most cultures are not meant to be suffering. They're meant to be suffering. They're meant to be suffering. Other than mainstream Western society views suffering as having a purpose, as did the people in Jesus's time. [00:40:00] (58 seconds)


but following jesus offers something very very different we can find joy and purpose and therefore hope in suffering but god asks for more than just belief we participate in his suffering and in this we find joy and so do others god uses what we what we suffer to point others to him philippians 2 13 verse 16 13 to 16 for it is god who is at work in you enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure do all things without murmuring and arguing so that you may be blameless and innocent children of god without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation in which you shine like stars in the world holding forth the word of life so that i can boast on the day of christ that i did not run in vain or labor in vain it's about our response door of hope it's about our response are we going to allow god to use our mud you know people turn and look when they see something shiny and i know that because i ran into a car once when i saw something shiny and there will be no comment from my husband thank you very much okay coming back people do look at how a jesus follower responds when they see us facing hardship and can relate it to their own situation shiny stars are especially shiny when there is a dark background shine like stars my friends you know after the over the last few months i've been listening to stories stories of people who shine like stars from very dark places are you in a dark place right now [00:52:36] (129 seconds)


and i've noticed how people respond when they see the joy of others in the midst of pain and suffering and i hear words i see it written down on you know on social media you're an inspiration i see written or i hear thank you for sharing that really gives me the courage to face my own battle here's a few examples these are examples of things that we don't see the silent questions the quiet unspoken search for answers from people who don't know jesus things like how can they still smile when things are so horrible it gets noticed i remember having that same thought when i was an atheist what did they have that I don't that's what I thought well I know now that they'd found a joy in knowing Jesus and here's another question gosh they've got so little why are they so happy but what we are witnessing here are people who found joy in the midst of poverty [00:52:36] (72 seconds)


you are not alone it is okay not to be okay sometimes and I encourage you not only pray but if you can listen I encourage you to read the psalms specifically the lament psalms and look closely at them if you do that you'll see a pattern a psalm may start with a complaint or a yell or a scream but look how they end Asaph David all the other writers they don't stay there they turn and they face the living God and they praise him we can face the living God the living Jesus who has experienced suffering and we can say thank you now I'm going to read the beginning and the end of a well -known psalm now it's psalm 22 I'll start with verse 1 my God my God why have you forsaken me why are you so far from saving me so far from my cries of anguish does that sound familiar guys yeah it's what Jesus said when he was hanging on the cross [00:52:36] (78 seconds)


let's skip to verse 22 at the end of the psalm and look what happens it changes I will declare your name to my people in the assembly I will praise you you who fear the Lord praise him all you descendants of Jacob honour him revere him all you descendants of Israel for he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one nor has he hidden his face for him from him but has listened to his cry for help can you hear the joy in those words at the end very different to the beginning don't stay there my friends when you're in the mud and the whys or the how longs finally start to slow down perhaps then ask another couple of questions which are what are you teaching me here Lord and how can I know you better Philippians 3 verses 10 to 11 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in death if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead Paul made a fresh start when he met Jesus and so do we we can choose the joy that is given to us in life and that involves suffering as well and we have the gift of eternal life life given to us through the suffering of Jesus on the cross Philippians 1 21 to 26 for me for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain if I am to go on living in the body this will mean fruitful labor for me yet what shall I choose I don't know I'm torn between the two I desire to depart and be with Christ which is better by far but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body so convinced of this I know that I am going to be and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy your joy in the faith [00:52:36] (135 seconds)


We can learn from we can learn from Paul's authentic vulnerability here through Jesus's sacrifice we can choose to experience the joy of doing his work right now in both the good times and in the tough times. He works even when we can't see it or may never see it but if we choose to listen to the stories of others and listen to his words our little sacrifice our offering can transform us and others. Philippians 2 17 to 18 but even if I am being poured out as a little sacrifice I am being poured out as a little sacrifice. I rejoice and I rejoice together with all of you in the same way also you should rejoice and rejoice together with me. You see Paul sees his little libation or a drink offering as it was known as insignificant. He compared it to what others were doing. He saw his contribution as tiny as a little sacrifice. He saw his contribution as tiny as a little sacrifice. Traditionally the liquid offering was poured over a greater offering but within seconds of pouring that liquid offering that it would be vaporized and this beautiful aroma fill the room. It would be acceptable to God and it would be experienced by everybody. You know sometimes I wonder how my little sacrifice compares to the suffering of Jesus. It's not much it's just little but friends it does matter. It matters to the people around us and it matters to God. We have a choice. We have a choice whether or not to sacrifice our reputation, our business opportunities, our Facebook status in order to live out our faith and speak Jesus to people around us. It's a choice and it can have impact. [00:52:36] (128 seconds)


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Transcript
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