Finding Strength and Joy Through Faith in Trials
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound and transformative power of joy in our lives, especially during times of trial and hardship. Reflecting on personal experiences and the recent loss of a dear friend, we were reminded that the joy of the Lord is our strength. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in our intimate relationship with God. When we stay connected to Him, like branches to a vine, we experience the fullness of joy that Jesus promises in John 15:11.
We discussed the importance of maintaining our faith, even when faced with challenges. Satan's primary goal is to steal, kill, and destroy our faith, but we must hold on to it firmly. Praying in the Spirit helps build our faith and keeps us in God's presence, where we find true joy. This joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from knowing and trusting God.
We also delved into practical ways to cultivate joy in our lives. This includes delighting in the Lord, rejoicing always, investing our time, talents, and treasures in God's kingdom, and enduring trials with a perspective of joy. Each of these actions helps us stay connected to God and experience His joy more fully.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of rest and quiet time with God. In our busy lives, it's crucial to set aside time to be still and listen to God's voice. This practice helps us remain grounded in His presence and strengthens our relationship with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Joy of the Lord as Our Strength: True joy is found in our relationship with God, not in our circumstances. When we stay connected to Him, we experience a joy that sustains us through all of life's challenges. This joy is our strength, enabling us to endure and thrive. [37:08]
2. Maintaining Faith Amidst Trials: Satan aims to destroy our faith, but we must hold on to it firmly. Praying in the Spirit builds our faith and keeps us in God's presence, where we find the fullness of joy. This joy is a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from trusting God. [39:28]
3. Cultivating Joy Through Delighting, Rejoicing, and Investing: We cultivate joy by delighting in the Lord, rejoicing always, and investing our time, talents, and treasures in God's kingdom. These actions help us stay connected to God and experience His joy more fully. [49:20]
4. Enduring Trials with Joy: James 1:2-3 teaches us to consider it pure joy when we face trials because they produce perseverance. This perspective helps us endure hardships with a sense of purpose and joy, knowing that God is working in us. [52:52]
5. The Importance of Rest and Quiet Time with God: In our busy lives, it's crucial to set aside time to be still and listen to God's voice. This practice helps us remain grounded in His presence and strengthens our relationship with Him, allowing us to experience His joy more fully. [01:03:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:52] - Personal Reflections and Loss
[37:08] - The Joy of the Lord as Our Strength
[38:28] - Holding on to Faith
[39:28] - Praying in the Spirit
[40:42] - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence
[41:35] - Living a Life Full of Joy
[42:27] - Staying Connected to the Vine
[43:19] - Intimacy with God
[44:12] - Pursuing the Fullness of Joy
[45:03] - Presence of God and Joy
[45:42] - New Life in Christ
[46:43] - Strength to Run the Race
[47:34] - Delighting in the Lord
[48:23] - Rejoicing Always
[49:20] - Investing in God's Kingdom
[50:15] - Treasures in Heaven
[51:21] - Where Your Heart Is
[52:20] - Enduring Trials with Joy
[52:52] - Perseverance Through Faith
[53:32] - The Analogy of Almond Joy
[55:03] - Flourishing Like a Palm
[55:35] - Joy in Endurance
[56:16] - Growing and Sowing
[57:02] - True Joy Beyond Circumstances
[57:38] - Jesus' Example of Joy
[59:00] - Joy in Everyday Life
[01:00:05] - Joy in God's Plan
[01:01:23] - God's Unchanging Nature
[01:02:29] - Joy in Rest
[01:03:43] - Quiet Time with God
[01:07:57] - Intimacy with God
[01:12:04] - True Intimacy
[01:13:46] - Layers of Joy
[01:14:38] - Rejoicing and Righteousness
[01:15:48] - Investing in Joy
[01:16:40] - Enduring Joy
[01:17:34] - Knowing God's Joy
[01:18:36] - Prayer and Closing
[01:19:58] - Offering and Announcements
[01:22:09] - Upcoming Events
[01:24:13] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 15:11 (NIV) - "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
2. James 1:2-3 (NIV) - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
3. Psalm 16:11 (NIV) - "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 15:11, what is the source of our complete joy? How does this relate to staying connected to Jesus? [39:28]
2. In James 1:2-3, what are believers encouraged to consider as pure joy, and why? [52:52]
3. Psalm 16:11 mentions the fullness of joy in God's presence. How does this verse describe the relationship between joy and God's presence? [45:03]
4. What practical ways to cultivate joy were discussed in the sermon? [49:20]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does staying connected to Jesus, as described in John 15:11, impact our ability to experience joy during difficult times? [39:28]
2. Why does James encourage believers to consider trials as pure joy? What does this perspective reveal about the nature of faith and perseverance? [52:52]
3. How can the practice of delighting in the Lord, rejoicing always, and investing in God's kingdom help us maintain joy, according to the sermon? [49:20]
4. What role does rest and quiet time with God play in experiencing His joy, as emphasized in the sermon? [01:03:43]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did you respond to it? How might considering it as pure joy, as James 1:2-3 suggests, change your perspective and response in the future? [52:52]
2. What are some specific ways you can stay connected to Jesus daily to experience the fullness of joy He promises in John 15:11? [39:28]
3. Identify one area of your life where you can invest more time, talents, or treasures in God's kingdom. How do you think this investment will impact your joy? [49:20]
4. How can you incorporate more rest and quiet time with God into your busy schedule? What practical steps can you take to ensure this time is protected? [01:03:43]
5. Think of a person or situation that has been challenging your faith. How can praying in the Spirit help you build your faith and maintain joy in this context? [39:28]
6. What specific actions can you take this week to delight in the Lord and rejoice always, as encouraged in the sermon? [49:20]
7. Reflect on your current relationship with God. Are there areas where you need to deepen your intimacy with Him to experience more of His joy? What steps can you take to pursue this intimacy? [43:19]
Devotional
Day 1: The Joy of the Lord as Our Strength
True joy is found in our relationship with God, not in our circumstances. When we stay connected to Him, we experience a joy that sustains us through all of life's challenges. This joy is our strength, enabling us to endure and thrive. The joy of the Lord is a profound and transformative power that is not dependent on our external situations but is deeply rooted in our intimate relationship with God. As we stay connected to Him, like branches to a vine, we experience the fullness of joy that Jesus promises in John 15:11. This joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from knowing and trusting God. It is this joy that gives us the strength to endure and thrive, even in the face of trials and hardships. [37:08]
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did your relationship with God help you find strength and joy in that situation?
Day 2: Maintaining Faith Amidst Trials
Satan aims to destroy our faith, but we must hold on to it firmly. Praying in the Spirit builds our faith and keeps us in God's presence, where we find the fullness of joy. This joy is a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from trusting God. In times of trial, it is crucial to maintain our faith. Satan's primary goal is to steal, kill, and destroy our faith, but we must hold on to it firmly. Praying in the Spirit helps build our faith and keeps us in God's presence, where we find true joy. This joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from knowing and trusting God. By staying connected to God through prayer, we can experience His joy even in the midst of challenges. [39:28]
Jude 1:20-21 (ESV): "But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."
Reflection: How can you incorporate praying in the Spirit into your daily routine to help build your faith and experience God's joy?
Day 3: Cultivating Joy Through Delighting, Rejoicing, and Investing
We cultivate joy by delighting in the Lord, rejoicing always, and investing our time, talents, and treasures in God's kingdom. These actions help us stay connected to God and experience His joy more fully. Cultivating joy in our lives involves several practical steps. By delighting in the Lord, rejoicing always, and investing our time, talents, and treasures in God's kingdom, we can stay connected to God and experience His joy more fully. Each of these actions helps us to focus on God and His goodness, rather than our circumstances. As we invest in God's kingdom, we are reminded of the eternal perspective and the joy that comes from serving Him. [49:20]
Psalm 37:4 (ESV): "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Reflection: What is one way you can invest your time, talents, or treasures in God's kingdom this week to cultivate joy in your life?
Day 4: Enduring Trials with Joy
James 1:2-3 teaches us to consider it pure joy when we face trials because they produce perseverance. This perspective helps us endure hardships with a sense of purpose and joy, knowing that God is working in us. Enduring trials with joy is a challenging but essential aspect of our faith journey. James 1:2-3 teaches us to consider it pure joy when we face trials because they produce perseverance. This perspective helps us endure hardships with a sense of purpose and joy, knowing that God is working in us. By viewing our trials through the lens of joy, we can trust that God is using these experiences to strengthen our faith and build our character. [52:52]
James 1:2-3 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for growth and joy?
Day 5: The Importance of Rest and Quiet Time with God
In our busy lives, it's crucial to set aside time to be still and listen to God's voice. This practice helps us remain grounded in His presence and strengthens our relationship with Him, allowing us to experience His joy more fully. In the midst of our busy lives, it is essential to set aside time to be still and listen to God's voice. This practice helps us remain grounded in His presence and strengthens our relationship with Him. By prioritizing rest and quiet time with God, we can experience His joy more fully and be refreshed in our spirits. Taking time to be still before God allows us to hear His guidance and feel His peace, which in turn brings us joy. [01:03:43]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: How can you create a daily habit of setting aside quiet time to be still and listen to God's voice? What changes do you need to make in your schedule to prioritize this time?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The joy of the Lord is my strength and all things give thanks because I know that I know he's in a better place. My heart goes out for his daughter, his wife, his grandkids, and of course we will miss them. But it's the things like that. When the Lord laid on my back. My heart, a week ago that we're going to be preaching on joy and I got that phone call at 1230 in the morning and I go, praise God. Thank you, Lord." [37:08] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If he can take your faith, he's got you. You've got to grab your faith. Don't be moved by what you see, feel, or hear. But only be moved by the Spirit of God. The Bible says, Because to build up your most holy faith, you have to pray in the Spirit. So you just continually pray in the Spirit. And when you build up your faith, you're in the presence of the Lord. And when you're in the presence of the Lord, there's the fullness of the joy of the Lord." [39:28] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Pursue the fullness of joy. Pursue it. Pursue it like that dog going after the tennis ball. Pursue it like the bee going after the honey. Pursue it like you, like you taking that breath of air. You've got to pursue it. Pursue the fullness of the joy. Psalm 1611. You make known to me the path of life. In your presence is what? Fullness of joy. And at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." [44:12] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The joy of God is the most, I think, one of the most important aspects of our Christian life. And the reason I can say that, babe, is the joy of the Lord is our what? Strength. And if you have no strength, how can you do anything? Because you're tired, you're worn out, you're exhausted, you're fatigued. But if you have strength, you can what? Run your race. You can't run a race if you don't have strength." [46:43] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "True joy is not found in the circumstances. I like to do a lot of things. My wife, she just kind of laughs at me sometimes. She says, I think you just like to do a lot of, sometimes, unnecessary risk. I do. And I get it honest. I get it from my Father God. You say, what do you mean? God did a lot of interesting things. Think about Jesus when he came to this earth. All the interesting things he did, even, I mean, he went to a fiery furnace." [57:02] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When you drive into the fullness of the joy, it doesn't matter the circumstances. The exact words is, I have told you these things that you will be filled with my joy. Filled with my joy. Filled with my joy. Filled with my joy. And when you're filled with this joy, there's another verse that Jesus says, I've come so you can have life and life more abundant. Or in the message translation, you can have a life better than ever." [40:42] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have to understand when we drive in our divine destiny, you will continually work on the relationships in your life, in your relationship with God, and your relationship with yourself. And when you truly understand that you're working on that, you're working on your relationship, you're going to start to be intimate. And when you're truly intimate, that means being vulnerable, being exposed, being willing to listen and give at the same time." [42:27] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The joy of the Lord is your strength. And it happens in the presence of God. Amen? Let's pray. Lord, I thank you for this morning. got to just share. I thank you for, as we continue to drive in the true joy and draw from it, draw from the true strength of my Lord Jesus Christ. Lord, we thank you that your love endures forever. a wonderful, gracious God. thank you for your plan for our life. It's a good plan. it prospers." [01:18:36] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The righteousness flourishes like the palm. Joy is what causes you to flourish. Being in the presence of God is what causes you to flourish. And the only way you can flourish is be rooted in the vine. Connected to it. And the greatest thing of the palm is every time it bends, its faith is being what? Tested. And when it comes back up, because you're going to bend, but you're not going to break. You're going to be strong. You're going to be strong." [55:03] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you start seeing that investment, you see Matthew 6.20. It encourages to store up for yourself treasures in heaven. It's not treasures of money and all that. No, treasures, the will of the Father. I think about all the treasures, all the jewels, the jewels that are on people before us, their crown. For every life that was touched, every life that Randy touched, every life Pastor Sanders touched, every life of any of your spouses or your aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, kids, anyone that's left before, left this earth before, that's putting the love of God into somebody by serving them." [50:15] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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