Where to look for joy Psalm 16:11 – You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures.

Where to look for joy

• Psalm 16:11 – You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

• Revelation 12:4b-5 – The dragon [Satan – v. 12] stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born [Herod’s slaughter trying to kill Jesus]. 5 She gave birth to a son [The incarnation of Christ], a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter [The future reign of Christ].” And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne [The ascension of Christ].

The dragon and the baby

The end of evil; the return of joy

• Revelation 12:5 – She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.”

• Romans 16:20 – The God of peace will soon crush Satan under his feet.

• Psalm 30:5, 11-12 – Weeping may last for night, but joy comes in the morning…. You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.

Trusting God for the future leads to joy in the present

1.Do I realize joy is supernatural, not natural within me?• The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…(Galatians 5:22)

2.Am I focusing on God’s long range plan for the future?• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you

trust in him [Jesus], so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

• Am I focused on the presence and care of Jesus Christ for me in my present circumstances? • Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

(Philippians 4:4)

“We control our reactions to negative stress by choosing to be in a constant internal dialogue with the Holy Spirit.”

Dr. Caroline Leaf

Uncle Curt