3-17-24 Setlist: This Is Our God Make Room Joy In The Morning The Blessing Sermon Notes: Key Verse: I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Keys to Unleashing Joy: 1. Keep seeking Jesus. Jesus is the root and joy is the fruit. Jesus is the source and joy is the afterproduct of our connection with Him. Key Verse: Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7 (NLV) Key Verse: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NIV) Keys to Unleashing Joy: 2. Joy is a focus before it’s ever a feeling. Focus on choosing joy. Key Verse: Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (AMPC) Key Passage: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-8 Keys to Unleashing Joy: 3. Give God control over your circumstances.The releasing and rejoicing are connected. Key Verse: His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:8b Keys to Unleashing Joy: 4. Don’t overask someone or something to make you happy. Enjoy the blessing but don’t force the blessing to be the source. Key Passage: I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:10-13 Keys to Unleashing Joy: 5. Identify what you are grateful for and give thanks. Key Verse: Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:3 Key Passage: Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Gratitude produces joy. “A review of 70 studies that include responses from more than 26,000 people found an association between higher levels of gratitude and lower levels of depression.” - UCLA Health Keys to Unleashing Joy: 6. Refuse to compare. Comparison kills joy. Key Verse: …For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2b Discussion Questions: 1. What do you feel like God is saying to you through this message? 2. How can you unleash Joy into your life? 3. What spoke to you during this message? Why? How can you apply it to your life?