“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NASB 95

How We Can Choose Joy In Our Lives No Matter What

1. Defy your difficult circumstances through His promises

“ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept 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.” John 15:10-11 NIV

“We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.” 2 Corinthians 6:9-10 NLT

To Have Defiant Joy

• We need to have a real hope

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2 NKJV 

• We need to know that God has a purpose in every circumstance

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:3-4 NLT

• We need to believe that He is always with us

“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” Romans 5:11 NLT

• Delight yourself in the Lord daily

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NIV

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 NLT

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NIV

• Determine to have an attitude of gratitude

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

• Demonstrate Jesus by pursuing joy in the joy of others

“You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 NLT (Hebrews 12:2)

• Giving
• Serving
• Sharing

The Book of Esther

The Setting

The Book of Esther takes place about 100 years after the destruction of the temple in 586 B.C in the Persian Capitol of Susa.

The Main Characters

King Xerxes

Mordecai

Esther (Hadassah)

Haman

The Plot

Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14 NL

“That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him.” Esther 6:1 NLT

What Do We Do When It Feels Like God Is Silent?

• Trust that Jesus is at work.
  • In the world around you

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”  Colossians 1:16-17 ESV

• In your individual life.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV

• Use your influence for the sake of the Kingdom.

“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b NLT

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13 NV

• Focus on the cross

“Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” Revelation 1:17,18 NLT

“Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.”  Revelation 21:3-7 NLT

“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” John 18:36 ESV

• Historical Kingdoms

“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel saw a dream and visions in his mind as he lay on his bed; then he wrote the dream down and related the following summary of it. Daniel said, “I was looking in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. And four great beasts were coming up from the sea, different from one another.  The first was like a lion and had the wings of an eagle. I kept looking until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man; a human mind also was given to it And behold, another beast, a second one, resembling a bear. And it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth; and thus they said to it, ‘Arise, devour much meat!’  After this I kept looking, and behold, another one, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird; the beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.  After this I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.” Daniel 7:1-7 NASB 95 

Vs. 4 = Babylon

Vs. 5 = Medes and Persians

Vs. 6 = Greece

Vs. 7 = Rome

• The evil one’s kingdom

“While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts. Daniel 7:8 NASB 95

• The heavenly Kingdom

“I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow And the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire. “A river of fire was flowing And coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him;” Daniel 7:9-10 NASB 95

• The evil one’s kingdom is overthrown

“The court sat, And the books were opened. Then I kept looking because of the sound of the boastful words which the horn was speaking; I kept looking until the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and given to the burning fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but an extension of life was granted to them for an appointed period of time.” Daniel 7:10b-12 NASB 95

“Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” John 12:31-32 NASB 95

“But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord.” 1 Corinthians 2:8 NLT

• The everlasting King and His Kingdom

“I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven
One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days
And was presented before Him. “And to Him was given dominion,
Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language
Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14 NASB 95

The Kingdoms Of The World V.S The Kingdom Of Jesus

-Power over the weak and poor

Power that serves the weak and poor (Matthew 25:40)

-Looks out for self interest

Looks out for the interest of others (Matthew 16:24)

-Finds its identity in nation, race, ideology, or religion

Finds its identity in being a child of God (Galatians 3:28)

-Is reactionary towards their enemies

Is Christ-like in their response to their enemies (Matthew 6:44)

-Kingdoms and nations are at war with each other

His Kingdom is at war with the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12)

‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

Matthew 6:9-13

“Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet each other with a kiss of love.” 1 Peter 5:13-14 NLT

Babylon in the New Testament is a metaphor for opposition to the rule of the Kingdom of God.

The word “world” in the New Testament refers to the earth and people, but often is used as a similar metaphor of a corrupted system of religion, unjust politics, power, and greed.

“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” John 17:13-21 NLT

How Should We Live In The World/Babylon?

• Do not be discipled by Babylon, be discipled by Jesus (Daniel 1)

“Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.” Luke 6:40 NLT

• Do not compromise your allegiance to God (Daniel 3, 6)

“But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20 NLT

• Do make the most of opportunities to be used by God (Daniel 4-5)

 “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 NLT

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15 NIV

• Do not put your ultimate hope in human systems

 “I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.” Ephesians 1:16-23 NLT

“As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon (without warning) a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” Mark 4:35-41 NLT

The Storms Of Life

Storm #1 Disappointment

Storm #2 Depression

Storm #3 Disease

Storm #4 Disaster

Storm #5 Death

What Should I Do In The Storms Of Life?

• Run for shelter

“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 NLT

• Pour out your heart to God (Lamentations 3:1-19)

Lament=Complaining to God about God without sinning

• Learn to practice His presence and listen to His voice before the storm

“I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I’ve swallowed. I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—the feeling of hitting the bottom. But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left. God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out through the hard times. When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst.”  Lamentations 3:20-20 MSG

• Trust His good purposes and promises

“But I called on your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. You heard me when I cried, “Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!” Yes, you came when I called; you told me, “Do not fear.” Lamentations 3:55-57 NLT

Storms Produce

Pruning

“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” John 15:2 NLT

Christ-likeness

“All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death, in the hope that I myself will be raised from death to life.” Philippians 2:10-11 GNT

Stronger faith

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV 

Empathy and Compassion

“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 MSG

“At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon went up to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. And Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon came to the city, while his servants were besieging it. Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he and his mother and his servants and his captains and his officials. So the king of Babylon took him captive in the eighth year of his reign. He carried out from there all the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king’s house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the Lord, just as the Lord had said. Then he led away into exile all Jerusalem and all the captains and all the mighty men of valor, ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths. None remained except the poorest people of the land. So he led Jehoiachin away into exile to Babylon; also the king’s mother and the king’s wives and his officials and the leading men of the land, he led away into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. All the men of valor, seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths, one thousand, all strong and fit for war, and these the king of Babylon brought into exile to Babylon.” 2 Kings 24:10-16 NASB 94

• We were made for Eden (Genesis 2-3)

• We are longing for Eden

“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” CS Lewis

• We are awaiting the true Eden (Ezekiel 36:35, Isaiah 19, Isaiah 35, Revelation 21-22)

How Do We Live In Exile?

• Live your best life now (Jeremiah 29)

• Lose your life

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Matthew 16:25 NLT

• Long for eternal life

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:1-3 NLT

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT