"Happiness in His Joy"

𝑀𝑜𝓃𝒹𝒶𝓎'𝓈 𝒫𝓇𝒶𝓎𝑒𝓇: 𝟣/𝟣𝟣/𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟣

𝒮𝒸𝒾𝓅𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒: Proverbs 15:13

𝒯𝑜𝓅𝒾𝒸: "Finding Your Happiness in His Joy"

𝒢𝑜𝑜𝒹 𝑀𝑜𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒴𝑜𝓊,

This morning as I was studying in the Book of Proverbs, I stumbled upon this scripture in Proverbs 15:13 that says, "Happiness makes a person smile, but sadness can break a person's spirit". So how do you define spiritual happiness Lady Monica, especially where we are in the world today? I'm so glad you asked that question!

Happiness can be defined as a state of spiritual satisfaction that allows you to withstand seasons of triumph, challenges, loss, and heartache by providing an inner peace of hope, throughout the process.

In other words, don't allow outward strife to discourage your inner attitude or your inner peace. Each of us can name at least five reasons to be sad, down, or depressed. However, I want you to minister to your own self by speaking out loud the positive things that you do see.

1. You woke up this morning; that's a positive.

2. You brushed your teeth this morning without assistance; that's a positive.

3. You have employment you're not happy with but you still have income; that's a positive. Some people had no income coming in since the start of the Pandemic.

4. You drove to work this morning and your car did not abandon you on the road; that's a positive. I know some people who walk miles to work without complaining.

5. Your children are not on drugs, not in the streets, not in jail or prison; that's a positive.

6. You have perfectly healthy grandchildren; that's a positive.

Look around you! It could've been a different way!

Take a look at Mathew 5: 3-12 (known as the Beatitudes ) spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:

It reads, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

What I believe Jesus to be saying is that your circumstances and current situations will not define your happiness. You determine your contentment. Jesus provided examples of various circumstances for all walks of life, for all Christians. The comfort of happiness and contentment in turbulent waters rests in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

There is hope in that your suffering is not permanent. Your suffering produces endurance, patience, better character, and sanctification (Romans 5:3). There is peace in knowing that suffering won't last always. There is joy knowing a greater award awaits you.

Though you suffer lost, though you suffer pain, though you suffer heartache, though you suffer hunger, though you suffer persecution, though you suffer gossip, REJOICE ANYWAY!! Cling to the promise of knowing that when it's all said and done, there is a permanent place of reward in Heaven.

Father in the name of Jesus, thank You God for Your sovereignty (supreme power.) Thank You Father for Your omniscience (all knowing). We thank You God for being with us every step of the way. Thank You God for not abandoning us in what we feel are the worse storms of life. Thank You God for not giving up on us when people fail us and when we give up on ourselves. Thank You God for being our peace when life rages at us.

Father God I pray for every person reading this message and prayer God. Your Word says in Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". Father God I pray contentment, happiness, and Your peace that is matchless over every believer reading this. Father I pray that each person come to the knowledge and understanding that only in You do we truly experience inner happiness and true joy. Father strengthen every believer and each of Your children today so they may rest with You. Father I pray that if they do not know Your Son, Jesus Christ, that they accept Him today into their hearts.

It's in Jesus name that we pray, Amen.

P.S. If you desire prayer or are longing to know Jesus Christ, please send in a prayer request through the above tabs.

God Bless You!

𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒,

𝐿𝒶𝒹𝓎 𝑀𝑜𝓃𝒾𝒸𝒶