Rejoice! | Part 2

Happiness is a feeling. 

Joy is a choice. 

The Joy Challenge

Humbly accept the Word of God. 

Luke 1:38 (NIV)

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

James 1:19–22 (NIV)

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Remind yourself often.

Luke 2:19 (NLT)

but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.

Proverbs 4:20–22 (NIV)

20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.

Psalm 103:1–2 (ESV)

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

Hold onto hope.

Acts 1:14 (NIV)

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

“A people that can know insecurity and still feel joy is one that can never be defeated, for its spirit can never be broken nor its hope destroyed.” Sir Rabbi Jonathan Saks

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV)

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.