JOY UNSPEAKABLE                                                                                           Choose Joy

Isaiah 61:1-3    The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.  2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord's favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. 3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.    NLT

2 Corinthians 6:10   …sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.  NIV

Make The Choice 

Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.   NIV

1. Prayer replaces worry. 

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer… 

Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”      NIV

2. Prayer lets go of control.

Philippians 4:6-7  …by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   NIV

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.    NIV

3. Prayer changes our thinking.

Philippians 4:8  “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.”    NIV

Colossians 3:2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.    NLT

4. Prayer reveals contentment. 

Philippians 4:12   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.    NIV

Psalm 23:1  The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.   NLT

5. Prayer relies on God. 

Philippians 4:13  “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”    NIV

Philippians 4:19   “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”      NIV

Proverbs 16:20   Those who trust the LORD will be joyful. Prayer doesn’t move God toward us. Prayer moves us toward God.     NIV