Trusting God: The Path to Everlasting Joy
Summary
In our series "Obsession and Euphoria," we explore the innate human desire for a euphoric existence, a longing that God has placed within us. We are created in His image, meant to experience joy at its highest levels. However, in this present life, we only encounter imperfect fragments of this joy, leading us to become obsessed with fleeting euphoric experiences. These can manifest in various forms, such as pleasure, possessions, popularity, prestige, and power. Yet, none of these provide lasting fulfillment. God invites us to trust Him, to follow Him fully, and to anticipate the perfect euphoric existence He promises in the future.
Our lives are driven by hope, a hope that often leads to disappointment when our expectations are not met. The story of Job illustrates this struggle. Despite being the most righteous man of his time, Job faced immense suffering, challenging his understanding of hope and trust in God. Unlike Job, we have the advantage of God's written revelation, which guides us in aligning our hopes with His eternal plan.
God's plan involves a series of interventions, starting with the creation of angelic beings and the subsequent rebellion led by Satan, which disrupted the initial euphoria. Humanity's fall further complicated this, but God's rescue mission through Christ's first coming began the process of restoration. The second coming of Christ will bring about the ultimate abolition of evil and the establishment of a new heaven and earth, where everlasting euphoria will be realized.
Our deepest hopes are prayers for God's kingdom to come in its fullness. We must adjust our hopes to align with God's timeline, understanding that the perfect life we long for begins with the return of Christ. Until then, we are called to trust Him, allowing His Spirit to transform us and prepare us for the eternal joy that awaits.
Key Takeaways:
- The Nature of Human Longing: We are created with a deep longing for a euphoric existence, a reflection of God's design for us. This longing often leads us to pursue temporary pleasures that cannot satisfy our souls. True fulfillment comes from trusting God and aligning our lives with His will, anticipating the perfect joy He promises in the future. [32:40]
- The Role of Hope in Our Lives: Hope is a driving force in our lives, influencing our actions and emotions. When our hopes are fulfilled, we experience joy, but when they are unmet, we face disappointment. Understanding the nature of hope and aligning it with God's promises helps us navigate life's challenges with resilience and faith. [35:20]
- The Story of Job and the Reality of Suffering: Job's story teaches us that even the most righteous can face suffering. His experience challenges the notion that good deeds always lead to good outcomes. It reminds us that our understanding of God's plans is limited, and we must trust Him even when life doesn't make sense. [37:47]
- God's Eternal Plan and Our Role: God's plan involves a series of interventions to restore creation to its intended state of euphoria. We are part of this plan, called to trust in Christ and live in anticipation of His return. Our hopes should be aligned with this eternal perspective, understanding that true fulfillment comes in God's timing. [50:29]
- The Promise of Everlasting Euphoria: The ultimate fulfillment of our deepest hopes lies in the future establishment of God's kingdom. This promise of everlasting euphoria is guaranteed by God's faithfulness and power. As we wait for this reality, we are called to live in trust and obedience, allowing God to transform us and prepare us for the joy that awaits. [58:44]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:15] - Introduction to Obsession and Euphoria
- [04:30] - The Human Struggle for Joy
- [08:45] - Trusting in God's Plan
- [12:00] - The Five Ps of Euphoria
- [16:20] - The Nature of Hope
- [20:35] - The Story of Job
- [25:50] - The Reality of Suffering
- [30:10] - God's Eternal Plan
- [35:00] - The Role of Trust
- [40:15] - The Promise of Christ's Return
- [45:30] - Aligning Our Hopes with God's Plan
- [50:45] - The Future of Everlasting Euphoria
- [55:00] - Living in Anticipation
- [01:09:46] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Job 3:25-26 - "What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil."
2. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
3. 1 Peter 1:3-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the five "Ps" of euphoria mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to our pursuit of happiness? [08:45]
2. How does the story of Job illustrate the struggle between human hopes and the reality of suffering? [35:20]
3. According to the sermon, what role does hope play in our daily lives, and how does it affect our emotions and actions? [32:40]
4. What are the phases of God's rescue and restoration mission as outlined in the sermon? [54:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon suggest we should adjust our hopes to align with God's eternal plan, and why is this important? [58:44]
2. In what ways does the story of Job challenge the notion that good deeds always lead to good outcomes, and how does this relate to our understanding of God's plans? [37:47]
3. How does the concept of a "living hope" through the resurrection of Jesus Christ provide assurance for believers, according to 1 Peter 1:3-4?
4. What does the sermon imply about the nature of human longing for euphoria, and how should this longing be directed according to God's design? [32:40]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your hopes were not fulfilled. How did you respond, and what did you learn about aligning your hopes with God's promises? [35:20]
2. Consider the five "Ps" of euphoria (pleasure, possessions, popularity, prestige, power). Which of these do you find yourself most drawn to, and how can you redirect this pursuit towards trusting God? [08:45]
3. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God in your daily life, especially when facing uncertainty or disappointment? [39:46]
4. In what ways can you actively participate in God's rescue and restoration mission in your community or personal life? [54:25]
5. How does the promise of everlasting euphoria in God's kingdom influence your current priorities and decisions? [58:44]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to adjust your hopes to align with God's timeline. What steps can you take to make this adjustment? [58:44]
7. How can you use the concept of a "spiritual telescope" to maintain a focus on the eternal reality God promises, especially during challenging times? [43:06]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Pursuit of True Fulfillment
We are created with a deep longing for a euphoric existence, a reflection of God's design for us. This longing often leads us to pursue temporary pleasures that cannot satisfy our souls. These fleeting experiences, whether through pleasure, possessions, popularity, prestige, or power, are mere shadows of the true joy God intends for us. True fulfillment comes from trusting God and aligning our lives with His will, anticipating the perfect joy He promises in the future. This understanding invites us to examine our pursuits and redirect our desires towards a deeper relationship with God, who alone can satisfy our deepest longings. [32:40]
"For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things." (Psalm 107:9, ESV)
Reflection: What temporary pleasures are you currently pursuing that leave you feeling empty? How can you begin to redirect your desires towards God today?
Day 2: Navigating Life with Hope
Hope is a driving force in our lives, influencing our actions and emotions. When our hopes are fulfilled, we experience joy, but when they are unmet, we face disappointment. Understanding the nature of hope and aligning it with God's promises helps us navigate life's challenges with resilience and faith. The story of Job illustrates the struggle of hope amidst suffering, reminding us that our understanding of God's plans is limited. By trusting in God's eternal promises, we can find strength and perseverance even when life doesn't make sense. [35:20]
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:11, ESV)
Reflection: When was the last time you felt disappointed by unmet hopes? How can you realign your hopes with God's promises today?
Day 3: Trusting God Through Suffering
Job's story teaches us that even the most righteous can face suffering. His experience challenges the notion that good deeds always lead to good outcomes. It reminds us that our understanding of God's plans is limited, and we must trust Him even when life doesn't make sense. In times of suffering, we are called to hold onto our faith, trusting that God is working behind the scenes for our ultimate good and His glory. This trust is not passive but an active engagement with God's presence and promises, even in the darkest times. [37:47]
"Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face." (Job 13:15, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you faced suffering. How did it affect your trust in God, and what steps can you take to deepen your trust in Him today?
Day 4: Aligning with God's Eternal Plan
God's plan involves a series of interventions to restore creation to its intended state of euphoria. We are part of this plan, called to trust in Christ and live in anticipation of His return. Our hopes should be aligned with this eternal perspective, understanding that true fulfillment comes in God's timing. This alignment requires a shift in focus from our immediate desires to God's overarching narrative, inviting us to participate in His redemptive work in the world. [50:29]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways are your current hopes and plans aligned or misaligned with God's eternal plan? How can you adjust your focus to align more closely with His purposes?
Day 5: Living in Anticipation of Everlasting Joy
The ultimate fulfillment of our deepest hopes lies in the future establishment of God's kingdom. This promise of everlasting euphoria is guaranteed by God's faithfulness and power. As we wait for this reality, we are called to live in trust and obedience, allowing God to transform us and prepare us for the joy that awaits. This anticipation is not passive but an active engagement with God's Spirit, shaping our lives to reflect His kingdom values here and now. [58:44]
"But, according to his promise, we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13, ESV)
Reflection: How does the promise of God's future kingdom influence your daily life? What changes can you make today to live in anticipation of the everlasting joy He promises?
Quotes
Well, we're continuing in our series called Obsession and Euphoria, and I know that's kind of an unusual title, particularly for you that are here for the first time. The idea behind it is this, is that as human beings made in the image of God, made by Christ and for Christ, God made us to experience a euphoric existence. He wanted us to be not just happy, but happy at the highest levels, not just happy at the highest levels, but happy at the highest levels. Happy sometimes, but all the time, and yet we know that is not the case in this present life because things have occurred. [00:27:32] (27 seconds)
We can't experience it now in a world where evil exists. It is an impossibility. And so, to pursue it now is to deceive ourselves and ultimately end up disappointed. [00:31:16] (11 seconds)
Now, here's the thing about us. We are creatures of hope. We live hope-driven lives. This morning, you walked out to your car, and you sat in there with confidence, and you turned the key. How many of you, when you started your car, it started right up this morning. See your hands? Okay. And you recklessly drove in here under snowy conditions that are coming. [00:31:27] (22 seconds)
So we're going to look at a portion of Scripture to introduce today, and here's a man that is struggling with hopes, because here's the thing about hopes. When our hopes are fulfilled, we feel really good. When our hopes are not fulfilled, it can really take us down. For example, if you had a very special opportunity to go to a church, and you jumped behind that wheel, and you went to start that car, and it didn't start, your mood is going to change very quickly, you know. So we're hope-driven creatures to a great degree, and our inner life, the quality of our life, is often the product of receiving our hopes that we wanted or not receiving them. [00:33:19] (38 seconds)
Because if you read chapter 1 and chapter 2, God himself says Job was the most righteous, the best human being on the planet. He said God himself said there was nobody like him. And yet, his hopes were not working out the way that he wanted them to. Now, prior to this episode, he had been very prosperous. He had 10 kids. He had a lot of cattle, you know, a lot of wealth. You know, life had gone well for him probably for 50 to 70 years of his life. But then all of a sudden, it all turns dark. And if you read Job chapter 1 and chapter 2, you will know that Job became not only the focus of God, but he became the focus of God's enemy, Satan. [00:35:28] (42 seconds)
Our hopes, our hopes are not always going to be fulfilled in this age. Why the tormenting hope? Job was saying, man, what I feared came upon me. I was hoping for good. You know, he was walking faithful with God, but yet it didn't work out that way. So why do we have this tormenting hope? Why do we have this tormenting hope? Why do we have this tormenting hope? We want it all, and we want it now. We were made for all, but we were not made for all now. And I don't like to wait, and you don't like to wait, and none of us like to wait, but waiting is a necessary process because of some things that need to be cleansed out inside of us and ultimately cleansed out of the universe as well, and that thing being evil. [00:37:46] (41 seconds)
The mystery, where does it come from? Why do I hope at all? Why don't I just live like an animal, you know, second to second, minute to minute, and if my basic needs are met, that's enough. Like I said in an earlier message, we as human beings, we're really easy to please temporarily, but we are extraordinarily hard to satisfy. In other words, if you're out in the desert, somewhere and you've gone three days without water, if I just offer you a little cup of water, you are pleased, okay, because you're about ready to die. If you're starving to death and I offer you not a very well-made sandwich, you'll still take it and you'll eat it and you'll be pleased. But once you get your stomach filled and once you get that water in you, you're going to say, oh, now that I'm feeling better, I want some excitement or I want some possessions or, you know, I want this or I want that. We are complex beings with multi-level needs, spirit, soul, and body, who can only be pleased by the one that created us and in the domain where His will is done all the time by everyone, and that's what brings that euphoric existence that we're all searching for. It's just that it's hard for us to contemplate that. [00:39:46] (70 seconds)
Your hopes, if they are bounded by what we, I'm going to just say, call righteousness, God's righteousness, any hope you have, any desire of your heart, it's kind of a window into your eternal future that God will give you. It says elsewhere in Scripture, Psalm 37, 4, I believe is the exact passage, it says that God will give His own the desires of our hearts. But not now. It's an impossibility now. In a world where there's sin, sorrow, pain, and death, He can't give us everything He wants to give us. [00:41:44] (29 seconds)
But your hope, what you hope for, for example, right now, maybe you would be hoping for a world where everybody would be kind, where everybody would feel loved, where everybody would feel respected, where everybody would be happy and healthy all the time. Well, that hope is a window into the eternal plan of God. It's bounded by righteousness. Your hopes guide what you can see as your future possessions, the future gifts that God absolutely has awaiting us. Let me share this thought with you. [00:42:33] (35 seconds)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you do what in him? Trust in him. That's the key. It said without trust, without faith, it's impossible to please God. God can't do anything for us until we trust him. [00:45:22] (12 seconds)
So that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. When we start becoming united, united to God and his spirit is dwelling in us because we're thinking the way he's thinking, and we're living the way he's living progressively more and more, well, we'll find hope building up in us. Even though in this lifetime we cannot have it all, we'll have that certainty. All is there for us. It's real. It's a real realm. It's a real dimension. It's a real inheritance awaiting us, and that will grow in us. Thought to share. Guaranteed hope. This is really important. Guaranteed hope, the kind we can count on, it's derived from God. If God doesn't say it, if he doesn't originate it, I'm foolish to think it's a guarantee. It's derived from God, and it's what else? Dependent on God. God can promise me and you things because he is going to fulfill it. There are many things that our hearts desire we cannot bring to pass. You have the ability. I have the ability. Our imaginations are such that we can imagine in existence, it's a beautiful life, but we cannot bring it to pass. Now, the beautiful life is going to come to pass, but it's going to come to pass because that image of a beautiful life, first of all, we get it from God. It's a spiritual phenomenon, and then he is, by his intervention, this is going to be important later in the message, by God's intervention, he's going to bring it to pass. [00:45:34] (88 seconds)
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