May 29, 2022
We must replenish the soil of our soul
"The ability to build joy is the strongest predictor of mental health across your lifespan." - Dr. Jim Wilder
Joy is the best fuel for obedience to God
How do I find joy?
The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder & Michel Hendricks
What is joy?
Someone who is glad to be with me.
Numbers 6:22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24 “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; New International Version
Numbers 6:26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ 27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” New International Version
Numbers 6:24 “May the Lord bless you and protect you. 25 May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. 26 May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ 27 Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.” New Living Translation
Joy doesn't supplant emotions, it supersedes them.
Joy helps us do hard things
Joy is a key indicator of resilience. If we have joy, we can endure.
How do I find joy?
How do I build joy?
Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Amplified Bible
"The pressure for results is not on you. You take the light burden of having fun! Place the other one in the hands of God. Remember the smile from tee-ball and when you would hang out with your childhood best friend? That’s what I’m calling you to. The whirlwind of confusion that was around you is gone and has been replaced with peace."
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. New International Version
1 John 3:1 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. New Living Translation