SHACK NIGHT LESSON 3

Living in Joy

Introduction:
So far we’ve talked about anxiety, and how it is a problem that builds up within us
and gets worse and worse the more we think about it, and we’ve talked about contented
living and how we find our contentment in what the Lord has given us. But today, we
finish our series with the message that this series has been all about.

Removing our Worry

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your graciousness be made
know to everyone; the Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, by
prayer and petition with thanks giving, let your requests be made known to God. And the
peace of God, which surpasses all thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ
Jesus.

Surely, everyone in this room has heard this verse and read it over and over again.
It have become my favorite verse in the world, because it applies to so much and to so
many people. So you’ve heard it, but have you ever gone through it and learned what it is
saying?

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, Rejoice!”

You can’t just walk up to someone and tell them to rejoice. “I don’t care what your
situation is…REJOICE!”
Well that’s exactly what Paul does. Only notice…he isn’t saying, “Rejoice in your
belongings! Or Rejoice in your Relationships! Or Rejoice in how comfortable your life
is!” He said, “Rejoice in the Lord”. Your call to rejoice is in the fact that we are children
of God, and we have the creator of the heavens and the earth looking down upon YOU at
all times, making sure you’re ok.

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God:
those who are called according to His purpose.

Absolutely everything that happens to you; every family member with and illness, every
bad grade, every physics class you can’t take, these things are all plugged in to a formula
that increases a spiritual aspect of yours. They help you to grow spiritually mature, gain
endurance, live fully, and recognize problems others are having that are worse that yours.

During your prayers, have you ever said, “God…I’m so glad you can handle this…
because I can’t.” You are so right. He absolutely can. And He is going to make sure you
can too.

Now…”Let your graciousness be made known to everyone.”

Some bibles say the word “Gentleness”, some say “Moderation” The Greek word is epi-
ei-kei-a, which indicates the power of yielding. It means basically to be able to endure,
and has stubbornness, thoughtlessness, contention, and rigor as its antonyms. Some
people translate this word “sweet reasonableness”. What this word means, is “the poise of
soul which enables one to sacrifice his own rights, not by necessity, but out of generosity
and sympathy.”

On a light level, it’s the person who let’s another take the parking space or go first in
traffic. On a heavy level, it’s the person who is willing to lower themselves to poverty
and danger in order to help others. Jesus is a good example of that.

Now…”The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything.”

Most bible commentary discusses this verse as living in light of Jesus’ returning. I do not
believe that is what this verse is talking about, although there are implications of that.
I am so bold as to say that if Jesus Christ were here in the flesh walking around with you
all day, your anxiety would be reduced greatly. Why would you worry? The Lord is there!
You would be absolutely invincible! Well the fact of the matter is, your anxiety is
inexcusable, because whether or not you can see Him, He is there. That’s what this is
saying.

To finish it up.

“But in everything, by prayer and petition with thanks giving let your request be made
known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all thought, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

God knows what is going to happen. He knows what you’ll say, what you’ll do, what
you’ll forget to do, who you’ll hurt, who’ll hurt you…
When you tell God what worries you. When you confess to Him the aches of your heart
and the worries of your soul and thank Him, He promises you peace. And not just any
normal peace…His peace.

In conclusion. Some sources for Joy we have.

1) Scripture. (Jeremiah 15:16)
2) Live with integrity (Job 20:21)
3) God’s Presence (Psalm 16:11)
4) Being Forgiven (Psalm 32:1)
5) Seeking God. (Psalm 34:5)
6) Being Humble (Isaiah 29:19)
7) Worship (Luke 24:52)