The True Source of True Joy

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be made known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.

Philippians 4:4-5

-THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT- Joy, delight, and peace of heart are the pursuit of most people. There is so much brokenness, hurt, and frustration in our world today, leaving many hungering for joy and peace. While most people pursue these things, their chase is in the wrong direction. In Jeremiah 2, it reads

Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed for themselves broken cisterns that can hold no water.

What cisterns have we dug to drink from? Media, Entertainment, Sports, Work, Materials Have you discovered their brokenness and inability to hold water and give true life, joy, and peace?

In preparation for this Sunday’s message, begin by reading Acts 16. This will give us context into what we will be studying in Philippians 4 (read the chapter).

This Sunday, our focus will be Philippians 4:1-9. In verse 4, Paul repeats himself very quickly – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. This verse and the verses to follow reveal to us so much about true joy and the true source of joy. Joy and peace come in a relationship with Christ. Notice what we find in these verses – · Rejoice in the Lord… RELATIONSHIP!!! · The Lord is at hand. HE IS PRESENT!!! · …do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. RELATIONSHIP!!!

Notice the promise in verse 7 – And the peace of God…(will do something) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Notice the promise in verse 9 - …and the God of peace will be with you. PRESENCE and RELATIONSHIP!!!

Instead of seeking joy and peace, let us slow down; let us seek the Lord; let us be still and know God. Joy and peace come in knowing our Lord Jesus, in being in relationship with Him, in depending on Him.

-CONSIDER & MEDITATE- What do you seek? What do you desire the most? – Joy and peace or the Lord Jesus Christ?

What is our life? God does not belong to us as if we can compartmentalize Him into our busy lives. He created us. He saved us. The Scripture says we have been bought with a price, and those who have faith in Christ belong to God.

God is not part of our plan. He is God and we are a part of His plan. In this truth, we rejoice. True joy and peace don’t necessarily come from God. True joy and peace come in knowing God and being known by Him (RELATIONSHIP).

Do you know and desire God? Or, do you simply desire His gifts?

The riches of God are found in knowing Christ Jesus our Lord and in Him alone. The Lord is at hand!!! Do you know Him?

PRAYER & THANKSGIVING Philippians 4:6 reads - do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God.

What is it that you are anxious about? With thanksgiving give it over to the Lord. Spend time talking to God about these things. Trust Him in all your circumstances. Ask God to strengthen your faith in Him.