Unshakeable Joy: Finding Strength in God's Presence
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the distinction between joy and happiness, underscoring that true joy is rooted in a relationship with God and not dependent on external circumstances. The speaker highlights that joy is a deep, consistent state that comes from knowing God is in control, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of happiness, which is tied to changing situations. The joy of Christmas is particularly noted as stemming from the birth of a Savior who came to restore humanity's relationship with God. This joy serves as a powerful testimony and is available even in adversity.
The speaker encourages the congregation to focus on the joy that comes from God's unchanging nature, referencing the story of Nehemiah and the prophet Habakkuk, who found joy in the Lord despite hardships. The sermon also touches on the importance of trust in God's consistency and His word, using the example of a farmer who rejoices in the Lord despite his losses and a woman who declares "it is well" in the face of her son's death.
The speaker discusses the concept of "unboxing joy," drawing parallels between the popular trend of unboxing videos and the need to discover the deeper joy found in faith. They urge listeners to seek joy in Christ, which is part of the fruit of the Spirit and leads to a sense of peace and contentment. The sermon also addresses the importance of being cheerful in giving as an expression of joy and gratitude towards God.
Throughout the sermon, personal stories and examples are used to illustrate points, such as the speaker's trust in God through struggles and envisioning a world filled with love and joy. The speaker also makes practical announcements regarding church activities, such as the Limitless Lunch, the introduction of kids ministry, and the need for life group leaders.
Key Takeaways:
- True joy is an unshakeable state that comes from an intimate relationship with God, not from external circumstances. It is a profound sense of peace and contentment that believers can hold onto even in the darkest times, as exemplified by the prophet Habakkuk who chose to rejoice in the Lord amidst adversity. [01:23:45]
- The joy of the Lord is a believer's strength and stronghold, as seen in the story of Nehemiah. This joy is a deliberate choice and recognition of what God has done through His love and Christ's sacrifice. It is a goal to be pursued, not a fleeting emotion that comes and goes with changing situations. [01:34:04]
- Trusting in God's consistency and His word is key to experiencing true joy. This trust allows believers to wake up in victory, regardless of their circumstances, and to live with a sense of joy that can be a testimony to others. The consistency of God in our lives is more reliable than any human achievement, such as the performance of an athlete like LeBron James. [01:15:47]
- Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and it is only by being in God's presence and allowing His Spirit to dwell within us that we can experience complete and overflowing joy. This joy surpasses the happiness offered by the world and fills believers with a sense of wholeness and satisfaction. [01:20:31]
- Giving cheerfully is an expression of the joy that comes from a relationship with God. It is an opportunity to show gratefulness and to express joy to God for His faithfulness, provision, and care. Believers are encouraged to listen to the Lord's guidance in determining what to give and to approach giving with a joyful heart. [01:43:53]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Habakkuk 3:17-19 (ESV)
> "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. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places."
2. 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.'"
3. 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."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Habakkuk 3:17-19, what is the prophet's response to a series of unfortunate events? How does he find strength?
2. In Nehemiah 8:10, what does Nehemiah instruct the people to do, and what reason does he give for this instruction?
3. What does Jesus say about joy in John 15:11, and what is the purpose of His message to His followers?
4. In the sermon, what examples did the speaker use to illustrate the difference between joy and happiness? ([01:04:56])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Habakkuk's declaration of joy in the Lord despite his circumstances challenge our understanding of joy? What does this say about the nature of true joy? ([01:23:43])
2. Nehemiah tells the people that "the joy of the Lord is your strength." How can joy be a source of strength in difficult times? ([01:34:39])
3. Jesus speaks of His joy being in us and our joy being full in John 15:11. How does this fullness of joy differ from the fleeting happiness the world offers? ([01:20:44])
4. The sermon mentioned that joy is a fruit of the Spirit. How does this understanding affect the way we seek and cultivate joy in our lives? ([01:18:24])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy despite difficult circumstances. How did your relationship with God influence that experience? ([01:23:43])
2. Nehemiah 8:10 says, "the joy of the Lord is your strength." How can you practically remind yourself of this truth when facing daily challenges? ([01:34:39])
3. Jesus wants our joy to be full (John 15:11). What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him and experience this fullness of joy? ([01:20:44])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of trusting in God's consistency. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God. How can you work on building that trust? ([01:12:56])
5. The speaker mentioned that joy is a powerful testimony to others. How can you demonstrate this joy in your interactions with friends, family, and coworkers this week? ([01:36:54])
6. Giving cheerfully is an expression of joy and gratitude towards God. How can you incorporate cheerful giving into your life, not just financially but also in terms of time and talents? ([01:43:53])
7. The sermon discussed the concept of "unboxing joy." What are some practical ways you can "unbox" joy in your daily life and share it with others? ([01:01:29])
Devotional
Day 1: Joy Beyond Circumstances
True joy is not swayed by life's ups and downs but is anchored in the steadfast love and sovereignty of God. This joy is a profound sense of peace and contentment that believers can hold onto even in the darkest times, as exemplified by the prophet Habakkuk who chose to rejoice in the Lord amidst adversity. It is an unshakeable state that comes from an intimate relationship with God. [01:23:45]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 - "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation in your life where your happiness was fleeting? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy that is independent of circumstances?
Day 2: Strength in Divine Joy
The joy of the Lord is a believer's strength, a stronghold in times of trouble. It is a deliberate choice and recognition of what God has done through His love and Christ's sacrifice. This joy is a goal to be pursued, not a fleeting emotion that comes and goes with changing situations. [01:34:04]
Nehemiah 8:10 - "Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you chose joy in the midst of hardship. How did acknowledging God's love and Christ's sacrifice help you through that time?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Unchanging Nature
Trusting in God's consistency and His word is key to experiencing true joy. This trust allows believers to wake up in victory, regardless of their circumstances, and to live with a sense of joy that can be a testimony to others. The consistency of God in our lives is more reliable than any human achievement. [01:15:47]
James 1:17 - "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Reflection: How does trusting in the unchanging nature of God change your perspective on your current challenges?
Day 4: The Fruit of Divine Presence
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and it is only by being in God's presence and allowing His Spirit to dwell within us that we can experience complete and overflowing joy. This joy surpasses the happiness offered by the world and fills believers with a sense of wholeness and satisfaction. [01:20:31]
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Reflection: What are some ways you can cultivate the presence of the Holy Spirit in your daily life to experience His joy?
Day 5: Cheerful Giving as Joyful Worship
Giving cheerfully is an expression of the joy that comes from a relationship with God. It is an opportunity to show gratefulness and to express joy to God for His faithfulness, provision, and care. Believers are encouraged to listen to the Lord's guidance in determining what to give and to approach giving with a joyful heart. [01:43:53]
2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What can you give cheerfully this week as an expression of your joy and gratitude towards God?
Quotes
"The only way that you could be in a situation like this and be able to say I will rejoice in the Lord is when you know something. There is something that you have that you know that is bigger than your circumstance. That's where your joy lies." [01:25:29] (Download)
"She had enough faith and enough resolve. And she had, get this, she had enough trust in God and his promises and his word to know to confess differently. She didn't say what was going on. She says, it is well with my soul." [01:26:45] (Download)
"Our life as Christians should be rooted and filled with joy. Now, it's very easy for us to look at our world, to look at our circumstances, to look at our situation and say, 'What reason do I have to be joyful?'" [01:04:28] (Download)
"Joy is defined as internal stability in spite of external circumstances. It is a settled assurance, a quiet confidence in God's sovereignty. It's settled." [01:09:34] (Download)
"Joy is rooted in what we know. Joy is rooted in Jesus. Joy says I'm not going to be moved by what's going on around me. I'm not going to be moved by the situations and the circumstances that are going on." [01:10:38] (Download)
"A true joy that is only found in him. A joy that is profound. A joy that is all encompassing sense of peace. A sense of contentment that comes from being united with him." [01:21:29] (Download)
"But the difference for the believer is that we have a purpose that we have been given. And we have a hope that allows us to grab a hold of the joy even in the darkest of circumstances." [01:22:44] (Download)
"The joy of the Lord is my strength. This is the basis and the foundation for our joy. Jesus came to save us from the power and the penalty of sin." [01:37:48] (Download)
"Our series this month is called Unboxing Christmas. We're talking about Unboxing Joy. It's about finding the true essence of joy that comes not from the material but from the spiritual, the joy that Christ brings into our lives." [01:02:03] (Download)
"I can be cheerful because I know I have this faithful God. I can be cheerful because of what I know. I can be cheerful because of His promises. I can be cheerful because of His character." [01:42:01] (Download)
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