Joy After Sorrow

Recover Restore Release
Three Elements to God`s answer to pressure

Philippians 4:4 NKJV
[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

1. Rejoice in the Lord

The difference between happiness and real joy

*Happiness depends on circumstances

*Real rejoicing has nothing to do with how things are going

(Charlie Brown told us happiness is a warm puppy)
What happens when the puppy runs away?????

*How to find your Joy in the lord
God causes all things to work together for the good
Romans 8:28 NKJV
[28] And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
(These verses don’t say all things are good)
The crucifixion didn’t look good

The Good was: Hebrews 12:2 NKJV
[2] looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus cup didn’t pass yours may not either

*Stop seeking joy among circumstances

*Story of Martha and Marry (Luke 10:38-42)
Luke 10:38-42 NKJV
[38] Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. [40] But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” [41] And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. [42] But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Uncontrolled stress will lead to anger
*Martha was angry with Marry for not helping
* She was angry at Jesus for allowing Marry to get away with not helping
(Martha was a fight ready to happen)

*How the word will disarm your anger
41] And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. [42] But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

*To Rejoice is a choice.

2. Have a sensible Lifestyle
Philippians 4:5 NKJV
[5] Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Learn to be flexible

Those who want bend will break.

Take time for your self

3. The Power of Prayer

Philippians 4:6 NKJV

[6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Supplication is letting God know what you need

When you pray you get the peace of God.

Thanksgiving refocuses our attention on the positive side of our circumstances.

God will post a guard to make sure your peace remains

The Reward of Godly Thinking
V:7 You get the peace of God when you pray

Philippians 4:8-9 NKJV
[8] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. [9] The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Joy After Sorrow

*God grants His peace to those who pray.

*He imparts is person to those who reoriented their mind.

(No amount of stress or pressure can penetrateGods personal protection)
Your mind is the key to your mental success
Proverbs 23:7 NKJV
[7] For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.

The experiences you open your mind to will they move you closer to God or farther away?

Dr Frederic B. Pinkney