Choosing Joy: The Transformative Power of Faith
Summary
In today's message, I shared a personal encounter that highlighted the profound impact of faith on joy. While visiting a hospital, I was unexpectedly approached by a man who had just lost his mother. Despite his grief, he found solace in his faith, which was evident in his joyful demeanor as we talked about his love for worship music and his relationship with God. This encounter reminded me of the transformative power of faith and how it can bring joy even in the darkest times.
Joy, unlike happiness, is a choice that stems from our faith. Happiness is a reaction to external circumstances, but joy is a deeper, more enduring state that we choose, regardless of our situation. This joy is made complete through our relationship with Jesus, as He fills the gap that we cannot fill on our own. As John 15:11 states, Jesus desires for His joy to be in us so that our joy may be full.
Moreover, joy is a fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. It is not something we can manufacture on our own but is a gift from God that grows within us as we walk with Him. This joy is constant and unwavering because it is rooted in the unchanging nature of God.
Living with a spirit of gratitude and maintaining a constant conversation with God through prayer are essential practices for cultivating joy. Even in challenging times, we can find joy by trusting in God's goodness and His plan for our lives. As Romans 8:28 assures us, God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Finally, sharing our joy with others is crucial. When we are filled with God's joy, it naturally overflows to those around us, offering them a glimpse of the hope and peace that come from a relationship with Him.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith as the Source of Joy: Joy is a choice that stems from our faith in God. Unlike happiness, which is a reaction to external circumstances, joy is a deeper, enduring state that we choose, regardless of our situation. This joy is made complete through our relationship with Jesus, who fills the gap that we cannot fill on our own. [06:50]
- Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit: Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, not something we can manufacture on our own. It is a gift from God that grows within us as we walk with Him. This joy is constant and unwavering because it is rooted in the unchanging nature of God. [11:06]
- Living with Gratitude: Cultivating joy involves living with a spirit of gratitude and maintaining a constant conversation with God through prayer. Even in challenging times, we can find joy by trusting in God's goodness and His plan for our lives. [14:27]
- Sharing Joy with Others: When we are filled with God's joy, it naturally overflows to those around us. Sharing our joy offers others a glimpse of the hope and peace that come from a relationship with Him, encouraging them to seek the same fullness of joy. [18:51]
- Joy as Strength in Trials: Joy is the strength of faith that helps us overcome life's challenges. Even when circumstances are dire, we can rejoice in the Lord and find strength in His salvation, knowing that He works all things for our good. [25:33]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - Unexpected Encounter
[01:51] - A Moment of Connection
[02:31] - Faith and Joy Amidst Grief
[03:10] - The Power of Worship
[04:27] - Divine Appointments
[05:38] - Struggling with Joy
[06:50] - Joy from Faith
[09:42] - Choosing Joy
[11:06] - Fruit of the Spirit
[12:49] - God as the Source of Joy
[14:27] - Living with Gratitude
[16:13] - Seeking Connection
[18:51] - Sharing Joy
[24:27] - Joy in Trials
[25:33] - Strength in Faith
[30:58] - Invitation to Faith
[31:33] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 15:11
- Galatians 5:22-23
- Romans 8:28
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Observation Questions:
1. In the sermon, how did the pastor describe the difference between joy and happiness? [06:50]
2. What role did worship music play in the man's expression of joy despite his grief? [03:10]
3. How does the pastor illustrate the concept of joy being a choice through his encounter at the hospital? [06:50]
4. What does the pastor say about the relationship between faith and joy, and how is this supported by John 15:11? [06:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pastor's story about the man at the hospital illustrate the idea that joy is a fruit of the Spirit, as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23? [11:06]
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that living with gratitude can cultivate joy, even in difficult circumstances? [14:27]
3. How does Romans 8:28 provide assurance and strength in times of trial, according to the sermon? [12:49]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that joy is a choice, and how does this relate to the concept of faith? [06:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy despite difficult circumstances. What role did your faith play in that experience? [06:50]
2. The pastor mentioned the importance of worship music in the man's life. How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine to cultivate joy? [03:10]
3. Consider the idea that joy is a choice. What practical steps can you take this week to choose joy in your daily life, regardless of your circumstances? [06:50]
4. How can you actively live with a spirit of gratitude, as suggested in the sermon, and what impact might this have on your overall sense of joy? [14:27]
5. Think of someone in your life who might benefit from seeing the joy of the Lord in you. How can you share your joy with them this week? [18:51]
6. The pastor emphasized the importance of prayer in maintaining joy. How can you incorporate more prayer into your daily routine to strengthen your relationship with God? [14:27]
7. Reflect on Romans 8:28 and consider how you can trust in God's plan for your life, even when things don't go as expected. How does this trust influence your ability to find joy? [12:49]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy as a Choice Rooted in Faith
Joy is not a fleeting emotion but a deliberate choice that stems from one's faith in God. Unlike happiness, which is often dependent on external circumstances, joy is a deeper, more enduring state that believers can choose to embrace regardless of their situation. This joy is made complete through a relationship with Jesus, who fills the void that cannot be filled by worldly means. As believers cultivate their faith, they find that joy becomes a natural byproduct, allowing them to experience a profound sense of peace and contentment even in the midst of life's challenges. [06:50]
"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: In what areas of your life are you allowing circumstances to dictate your joy? How can you choose to find joy in your faith today, regardless of those circumstances?
Day 2: Joy as a Gift from the Spirit
Joy is described as a fruit of the Spirit, a divine gift that cannot be manufactured by human effort alone. It is a gift from God that grows within believers as they walk closely with Him. This joy is constant and unwavering because it is rooted in the unchanging nature of God. As believers nurture their relationship with God, they find that this joy becomes an integral part of their spiritual journey, providing strength and resilience in the face of life's trials. [11:06]
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a closer walk with God to allow the fruit of joy to grow in your life? What specific steps can you take this week to nurture this relationship?
Day 3: Gratitude as a Pathway to Joy
Living with a spirit of gratitude and maintaining a constant conversation with God through prayer are essential practices for cultivating joy. Even in challenging times, believers can find joy by trusting in God's goodness and His plan for their lives. By focusing on the blessings they have received and expressing gratitude for them, believers can shift their perspective and open their hearts to the joy that God desires for them. [14:27]
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
Reflection: What are three things you are grateful for today? How can you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine to cultivate a deeper sense of joy?
Day 4: Sharing Joy as a Witness to Others
When believers are filled with God's joy, it naturally overflows to those around them. Sharing this joy offers others a glimpse of the hope and peace that come from a relationship with God, encouraging them to seek the same fullness of joy. By living as a testament to the joy that faith brings, believers can inspire others to explore their own spiritual journey and discover the transformative power of a relationship with God. [18:51]
"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 16:11, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from experiencing the joy you have found in your faith? How can you intentionally share this joy with them this week?
Day 5: Joy as Strength in Trials
Joy is the strength of faith that helps believers overcome life's challenges. Even when circumstances are dire, they can rejoice in the Lord and find strength in His salvation, knowing that He works all things for their good. This joy provides a foundation of resilience and hope, empowering believers to face adversity with confidence and trust in God's ultimate plan for their lives. [25:33]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: What current trial are you facing that you can approach with joy and faith? How can you rely on God's strength to navigate this challenge with a joyful heart?
Quotes
1) "Man, this is an example of how your faith can dictate your joy and how it can strengthen your joy. From the rest of the conversation we're having, this started off with this guy who's pretty distraught because he's there to identify his mom's body. He finishes his cigarette. We walk to the hospital door, and he's just smiling, talking the whole time about his faith, his love, worship music, even his love for his mom. He's still sad, obviously, because if she didn't know the Lord, then there's a negative consequence to that eternally for both of them. But he had joy, and he was smiling and talking because he, you know, it was like God had done a work in him, just thinking about him and thinking about his love of worship music and all of these things. It just changed the entire perspective." [03:10] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Joy is a choice. Happiness is a response we have when something goes well, or when your kid comes and gives you a hug and you're happy about in that moment, that's a response to a stimulus. So something has happened. We're happy about that thing happening. Joy is something that we choose. We choose to be joyful. We choose to be joyful when things are going well. We choose to be joyful when we're sad, but we have to choose it and we can only exude or show so much joy without it being full, fulfilled by God." [06:50] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Receive Jesus as your lord and savior, that you do not go through trying times, because you definitely do. But in fact, I can make an argument you might go through tougher times once you do, but there's an impact that it has on you. You're not alone. You're always in community with God. You have the fruits of the spirit poured out into you. You have the ability to find joy in all things. Romans 828 and we know that in all things, God works together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose. So that means in the good and the bad times, everything is working together for his good." [11:06] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Live with a spirit of gratitude, meaning, live every moment of your life in this constant worship, constant conversation with God. Pray without ceasing. That does. I mean, you gotta. You gotta go to work. But I've told the story before where I was going through a big decision, and I was out playing disc golf, actually. And I was just walking around. I was listening to a podcast, and then I just turned it off. And just for like, four holes, I was just praying, just walking through the woods. I was still throwing. My brain doesn't get quiet very easily. So for four holes, I mean, I'm still throwing, I'm still walking through the woods. But that's what I was doing. And I was just, how do I make this decision?" [14:27] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Joy is the strength of faith. We're going to pull from a book no one ever reads from, probably, unless you're reading straight through the Bible, you can probably quote one verse out of it, and it's not this one. Habakkuk. Habakkuk 317 19. 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. Times are bad. Yeah, times are bad. Nothing's producing for you, it says, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, and I will take joy in the God of my salvation." [25:33] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "I want to say this, too, though. Is the fullness of joy found in the spirit of God? 100% it is. I'm a firm believer in counseling and therapy. I don't think they're mutually exclusive. I think that they're actually both incredibly valuable. It's necessary to have a relationship with God. It's necessary to. For the fullness of joy to be acquired to have that relationship with him. But that doesn't mean that times are not going to be hard. You're not going to get lost. You're not going to be struggling. And counseling and therapy are incredible tools, and they're not anti biblical. I will argue with anybody who thinks that they are." [28:32] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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