Fear, Worry - Robs Us of Joy

Phil. 4:4- Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all.

Simple Truths-

• Worry makes everything seem bigger than it is.
• Nothing robs us more of joy than worry, gossip, and talking to others about our worries. When there is no flame, the embers die out. Remember this daily.
• Practice joy. It is a discipline. Take delight and be glad.
• Happiness is a cheap imitation of joy. God does not call us to be happy.
• Joy is a deeply rooted confidence that God is in control.
• John 15:10-11 "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
• We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy because joy is the harvest of a life that consistently pursues God and insists on seeking His truth, longing to obey that truth.  The pursuit of joy is a matter of choice and perspective. -Mary Southerland
• Memorize Psalm 27:3 -"Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident." 
• Examine the consequences of fear and of worry in my life and hold each one up against the promise of this verse. 

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Southerland's prayer:

Father, I do not want to live this year at the mercy of fear. Right now, I surrender my heart and mind to You. Please give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word as I seek Your will for my life. When I am afraid, give me the strength to trust in You. When the darkness comes, show me Your Light. Help me to choose joy - even when I don't understand or like my circumstances. I want to be full of faith, God, and honor You by the peace that fills my life.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.