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Don’t Be Afraid - Joy
Big Idea: Joy is a choice that I make in life, not the condition of my life.
Big Question: How can I choose joy in my life?
Main Scripture: Luke 1:26-56
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” 29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! —Luke 1:26-30
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” 34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.” 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. —Luke 1:31-38
“You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” 46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! —Luke 1:45-47
Rejoice = I exult (praise), I am full of joy.
How my spirit is full of joy in God my Savior.
1.) By looking to the right person
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! —Philippians 4:4
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. —Luke 1:48
2.) By praising God for His perception
Notice = To look upon with focused attention; to give special regard to, as the sight moves the beholder.
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. —Zephaniah 3:17
For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. 50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 54 He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. 55 For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.
—Luke 1:49-55
3.) By resting in God’s promises
God is living among us. He is a mighty Savior. He delights in me with gladness. He calms all my fears. He rejoices over me with joyful songs.