Joy Despite My Circumstances

The Joy Challenge

May 19

Teaching Notes

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among them are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Declaration of Independence

Outline of Philippians

I Can Have Joy…

…despite my circumstances (ch. 1)

…despite other people (ch. 2)

…despite my past (ch. 3)

…that defeats worry (ch. 4)

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:1-8

Principle #1

Recalling happy memories.

Why it Works

What Paul is doing right here at the opening of his letter is what brain scientist call…Joy Conditioning.

Whenever you recall a memory, you make that memory stronger. If the memories you recall are happy ones, your joy will increase despite your current circumstances.

The Joy Challenge

Who are the Philippians in your life?

Make a gratitude visit.

You begin by identifying one person or couple.
Sit down and write out around three hundred words recalling what they mean to you and then express your gratitude for them. Be specific, detailed.
When you are done, pray with joy – “Dear God, I thank you for …”
When you are down reach out to them and tell them you want to get together, but don’t tell them what it is for. (If you can’t get together in person, try to do a Zoom call or FaceTime).
When you get together, simple read your letter to them word for word.
See if this doesn’t increase their joy a little…and maybe even yours.