God invades Earth: the original Bundle of Joy

• And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10

o The angel of the Lord pronounces the invasion of the relational nature of the Triune God to Earth: Joy

• The Joy of the Lord is your Strength Nehemiah 8:10

o We were designed to live in the midst of the relational dynamic of Joy which emanates from the Trinity

• Unlike happiness, joy is not drummed-up or dependent on circumstances (though we can cultivate it).
• It is evident throughout God’s creation: Psalm 65:8

Joy in the Context of Relational Authority

• An illustration of safety, comfort, peace & joy

Abide in My Love. Abide in Me. John 15

• As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15: 9-11
• Pruned branches: Otherwise, we have nothing for others

o To wait for: Lord, help us commit to spending much more time waiting on You, seeking Your will and not exerting our own agendas.
o To endure without yielding: Lord, help us endure inconvenience and hardship –contending for the authentic presence of you in our lives, whatever the cost.
o To bear patiently: Lord, forgive us and deliver us from our impatience. Teach us to abide in Christ when we don’t feel like it or our flesh cries out.
o To continue in a place: Lord teach us to sit still, remind us that you always have time for us.

Jesus’ Mission of Joy—Christ’s life was typified by Joy

• Jesus’ life and character were endearing to others and looked joyful. Mark 2:19, Luke 5:33
• God’s heart is for us to live in His joy, now and in heaven. John 15:11, Matthew 25:23

Contend for Joy

• As humans, we often desire to flee conflict Psalm 55:6-8
• Learn to discern and contend for the authentic
• Cultivating joy takes time and attention. It doesn’t “just happen” Philippians 4:4-8

Recognize that Joy flows from Obedience

• “…For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross…” Hebrews 12:2
• We are a source of joy to God
• Pursue God’s presence and joy in all circumstances. Philippians 4:11
• Believe beyond sight & our circumstances 1 Peter 1:8

Experiencing God’s Presence & Joy in the Holy Spirit

• Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13.

Living out Joy: The Ultimate Re-gifting

• Don’t search for joy in circumstances or relationships. Instead: find joy in God and bring His joy to the circumstances and relationships in your life.
• Commit to connecting with God. Remember, you’re a conduit, not a source.
• Let your joy shine. Don’t minimize your light to ‘fit-in’

• Don’t be afraid to ‘sing in prison’. Joy in the midst of chaos may appear confusing, that’s not your problem.
• Don’t let your intellect (or others’) hold your joy ransom.

o “Because, of God. That’s why.” (All I know is, I was born blind…)

• “I will depend on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in my life and ministry”