28th January 2018 - JOY IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES

There’s no such thing as perfect circumstances, in any of our lives. 
So, if joy is perfect circumstances, we’re doomed to a life without joy. 
 
Yet, over and over, Scripture tells us that God wants to bring joy into our lives. 
James 1:2-3 (Message) is just one example of many …
“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.”
 
Paul, writing to the Philippians (Chapter 1:12-30) gives us some clues about how we can live joyfully in our circumstances –

• Look beyond our circumstances
• Look beyond the personalities
• Look beyond the temporary
• Look beyond the bad news

 
The writer of Hebrews says - “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:2 (New International Version)