Finding True Joy Beyond Circumstances

Devotional

Day 1: Joy vs. Happiness

Joy is a deeper, enduring state that comes from God, unlike happiness which is circumstantial and fleeting. Happiness can be created by external events, but it is temporary and often dependent on our surroundings. Joy, on the other hand, is a profound sense of well-being that is rooted in our relationship with God. It is a gift that resides in our eternal soul and is not swayed by the ups and downs of life.

Understanding this distinction helps us seek joy in our relationship with God rather than in temporary circumstances. When we focus on our eternal relationship with God and our identity as His children, we can access a joy that is not affected by external situations. This joy is a supernatural gift that comes from knowing and fulfilling our purpose in God's kingdom. [02:39]

John 15:11 (ESV): "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."

Reflection: Think about a recent situation where you felt happy. How would your experience have been different if you had sought joy from your relationship with God instead of relying on external circumstances?

Day 2: Joy in Trials

James teaches us to consider it pure joy when we face trials, which seems counterintuitive at first. However, this reveals that joy can coexist with pain. Trials can deepen our faith and bring us closer to God, revealing the true nature of joy. When we face difficulties, we have the opportunity to grow spiritually and strengthen our relationship with God.

This perspective allows us to see trials not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. By trusting in God's plan and relying on His strength, we can find joy even in the midst of challenges. This joy is not about denying our pain but about recognizing that God is with us and working through our circumstances to bring about His purposes. [10:10]

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 recent trial you have faced. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for growth and deepen your faith in God?

Day 3: Purpose and Joy

The Apostle Paul found joy in his purpose of advancing the gospel, even while in prison. Our joy is also tied to our purpose in God's kingdom. When we understand and live out our God-given purpose, we experience true joy. This joy is not dependent on our external circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with God and our commitment to His mission.

Paul's example shows us that joy can be found in fulfilling our purpose, regardless of our situation. By focusing on our calling and the work God has given us to do, we can experience a deep sense of joy and satisfaction. This joy comes from knowing that we are contributing to God's kingdom and making a difference in the lives of others. [22:18]

Philippians 1:12-14 (ESV): "I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ."

Reflection: Reflect on your current life situation. How can you find joy in fulfilling your God-given purpose, even if your circumstances are challenging?

Day 4: Eternal Perspective

Our feelings and thoughts can deceive us, but our soul is eternal and where true joy resides. By focusing on our eternal relationship with God and our identity as His children, we can access a joy that is not affected by external circumstances. This eternal perspective helps us see beyond the temporary challenges and focus on the lasting joy that comes from our relationship with God.

When we understand that our true identity is in Christ and that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God, we can experience a joy that transcends our current situation. This joy is rooted in the assurance of God's love and the promise of eternal life with Him. By keeping our eyes on the eternal, we can navigate the ups and downs of life with a sense of peace and joy. [18:18]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary circumstances to your eternal relationship with God? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of your identity in Christ?

Day 5: Joy Set Before Us

Just as Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, we too can endure life's challenges by focusing on the joy that comes from fulfilling our purpose in God. This joy is not the absence of pain but the presence of God's eternal promise. By keeping our eyes on the joy that lies ahead, we can find strength and perseverance to face our trials.

Jesus' example teaches us that true joy comes from knowing and fulfilling God's will. When we align our lives with His purposes and trust in His promises, we can experience a joy that sustains us through difficult times. This joy is rooted in the hope of eternal life and the assurance that God is with us every step of the way. [33:48]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing? How can you focus on the joy set before you and find strength in God's promises to endure these challenges?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to talk about joy—what it is, where it comes from, and how we can access it. Recently, I experienced a mix of emotions when I took my daughter to college. There was happiness, sadness, and joy all at once. This led me to reflect on the nature of joy, which is different from happiness. Happiness is circumstantial and fleeting, while joy is deeper and comes from God.

We often confuse happiness with joy, but they are not the same. Happiness can be created and is often tied to external circumstances, like a trip to Disney World. However, joy is not dependent on our circumstances. It is a gift from God that resides in our eternal soul. Jesus told us that joy and peace come from Him and are not of this world.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote about considering it pure joy when we face trials. This seems counterintuitive, but it reveals that joy can coexist with pain. The Apostle Paul also wrote extensively about joy, even while he was in prison. His joy came from his purpose of advancing the gospel, not from his external circumstances.

We are layered beings with feelings, thoughts, and a soul. Our feelings and thoughts can deceive us, but our soul is eternal and where true joy resides. When we understand our identity as children of God and our purpose in His kingdom, we can access this joy. This joy is not a feeling or a thought but a supernatural gift from God.

Paul's joy in prison came from his relationship with God and his purpose of spreading the gospel. Similarly, my joy in leaving my daughter at college came from fulfilling a purpose that God had given me. This joy is not affected by external circumstances like gas prices or political situations. It is rooted in our eternal relationship with God.

To live a life of joy, we must train our minds and hearts to focus on our relationship with God and our eternal purpose. This joy is set before us, just as it was for Jesus when He endured the cross for the joy of saving us. We must choose to live with purpose and joy, rather than being swayed by the ups and downs of life.

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Key Takeaways

1. Tb6_8&t=159s'>[02:39]
2. Joy in Trials: James teaches us to consider it pure joy when we face trials. This seems counterintuitive, but it reveals that joy can coexist with pain. Trials can deepen our faith and bring us closer to God, revealing the true nature of joy.

3. Purpose and Joy: The Apostle Paul found joy in his purpose of advancing the gospel, even while in prison. Our joy is also tied to our purpose in God's kingdom. When we understand and live out our God-given purpose, we experience true joy.

4. Eternal Perspective: Our feelings and thoughts can deceive us, but our soul is eternal and where true joy resides. By focusing on our eternal relationship with God and our identity as His children, we can access a joy that is not affected by external circumstances.

5. Joy Set Before Us: Just as Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, we too can endure life's challenges by focusing on the joy that comes from fulfilling our purpose in God. This joy is not the absence of pain but the presence of God's eternal promise.

### [02:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:18] - Dropping Off My Daughter at College
[02:39] - Understanding Joy vs. Happiness
[05:06] - The Layers of Our Being
[10:10] - Joy in Trials: Lessons from James
[12:58] - Training Our Thoughts and Feelings
[18:18] - The Eternal Perspective
[22:18] - Paul's Joy in Prison
[26:27] - Infusing Joy into Our Lives
[29:31] - The Joy of Purpose
[33:48] - The Joy Set Before Jesus
[37:02] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to James 1:2-3, what should be our attitude when facing trials, and why?
In Philippians 1:12-14, how does Paul describe the impact of his imprisonment on the spread of the gospel?
What does Hebrews 12:2 say about Jesus' motivation for enduring the cross?

Interpretation Questions

Why does James consider it "pure joy" to face trials, and how does this perspective challenge common views on suffering? [10:10]
How does Paul's imprisonment serve to advance the gospel, and what does this reveal about his understanding of joy and purpose? [22:18]
What does it mean that Jesus endured the cross "for the joy set before him," and how does this shape our understanding of joy in the midst of suffering? [33:48]

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did you respond, and how might viewing it as an opportunity for joy and growth change your perspective? [10:10]
Paul found joy in his purpose of advancing the gospel, even in prison. What is your God-given purpose, and how can you find joy in it despite challenging circumstances? [22:18]
Jesus endured immense suffering for the joy set before Him. What are some ways you can endure your current challenges by focusing on the joy and purpose God has set before you? [33:48]
The sermon mentioned that joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in our eternal relationship with God. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God to access this joy? [18:18]
The pastor shared a personal story about finding joy in leaving his daughter at college because it fulfilled a purpose. Can you think of a situation where fulfilling a purpose brought you joy, even if it was difficult? [29:31]
How can you train your mind and heart to focus on your relationship with God and your eternal purpose, as suggested in the sermon? What practical steps can you take this week? [12:58]
The sermon emphasized that joy is a supernatural gift from God. How can you remind yourself of this truth daily, especially when facing life's ups and downs? [07:41]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Joy comes from another place that you can try to find happy here. You know, you wear a t-shirt says happy, happy, happy. So let's do this. Let's ask the question when things don't go your way, how do you respond? That would be a good question." [02:39] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Most people are going to live from the point of trying to be happy. So we're going to do everything we can in our life to be happy. And we can actually create happy. Disney found a way to create happy. You can pay for it. And you go down there. This is so cool, isn't it? You walk in and you're happy." [03:52] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Happiness depends on circumstances. This is what you have to understand. Joy depends on the relationship. I know him. He knows me. My eternal and his eternal have met. I am now something new. I am a child of God. I have access to things that I did not have before." [23:29] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Joy is deeper than what you feel. It is deeper than your thoughts. Even though the Bible says this, because we're layered up, it says that you need to think of things, uh, that are pure and noble, all these things. I have to train your thoughts to understand what joy looks like." [12:58] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Joy wasn't from here. It isn't from here. They saw it. In Jesus, by the way, they saw what it looked like. He was walking around with them. And it wasn't circumstantial. It wasn't happenstance, none of that." [23:29] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Joy is not the absence of pain. It actually reveals what joy is when you have pain, if you know what you're looking for. And this is what they discovered when they were walking with Jesus and hanging out with him. They discovered joy through pain." [11:35] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. There's four layers to you. And only one of them is going to last. The soul is the only eternal part of you. And that's where everything is going to be placed. God is not going to place something that's going to be, it's not going to last." [14:21] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When the God eternal meets the person eternal, his life is infused into you, empowering you to live on a supernatural level. He infuses us with his life and his power and his thoughts. And so, and his joy. And so we live differently." [24:57] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The Bible says that your joy is set before you, but you just... Can't see it, pretty much. You're like, I could have joy. Yeah. If you're a child of God and you're not accessing joy, you need to stop and listen to what I'm saying. He's just been waiting on you for a long time." [32:26] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Joy is not a thought and you want it to be a positive thoughts. Joy is not a feeling. It's much deeper than all that. And it's access on another level than what you've been accessing. And listen to this. It doesn't come from here. It comes from there. So we have to figure out how to get there." [12:58] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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