When Was the Last Time You Felt Happy? | J.D. Greear

The Fountain of Youth, the Lost City of The Fountain of Youth, the Lost City of Gold, the Genie's [music] Lamp. Gold, the Genie's [music] Lamp. Gold, the Genie's [music] Lamp. Throughout history, people have searched Throughout history, people have searched Throughout history, people have searched for something to transform their for something to transform their for something to transform their everyday [music] lives into something everyday [music] lives into something everyday [music] lives into something spectacular. spectacular. spectacular. Not many of us today are traveling the Not many of us today are traveling the Not many of us today are traveling the world looking for a literal Fountain of world looking for a literal Fountain of world looking for a literal Fountain of Youth, Youth, Youth, but we're still all searching. but we're still all searching. but we're still all searching. We sense, deep down, that there's got to We sense, deep down, that there's got to We sense, deep down, that there's got to be more to life than what we're living. be more to life than what we're living. be more to life than what we're living. We feel in our bones that even though We feel in our bones that even though We feel in our bones that even though it's elusive, the good life is out it's elusive, the good life is out it's elusive, the good life is out there. there. there. Centuries ago, an old man with scars on Centuries ago, an old man with scars on Centuries ago, an old man with scars on his back, sitting alone in a prison his back, sitting alone in a prison his back, sitting alone in a prison cell, claimed to have finally found it. cell, claimed to have finally found it. cell, claimed to have finally found it. The secret to the good [music] life. And The secret to the good [music] life. And The secret to the good [music] life. And lucky for us, he wrote it down in a lucky for us, he wrote it down in a lucky for us, he wrote it down in a letter to his friends and to us. letter to his friends and to us. letter to his friends and to us. That letter is the book of Philippians. That letter is the book of Philippians. That letter is the book of Philippians. >> [music] >> Well, Summit family, on a personal >> Well, Summit family, on a personal level, I would love to ask all of you to level, I would love to ask all of you to level, I would love to ask all of you to pray for me at student camp this coming pray for me at student camp this coming pray for me at student camp this coming week.

week. week. I will be joining nearly a thousand of I will be joining nearly a thousand of I will be joining nearly a thousand of our high school students and volunteer our high school students and volunteer our high school students and volunteer leaders for two weeks of high school leaders for two weeks of high school leaders for two weeks of high school student camp, student camp, student camp, which started this morning. They all which started this morning. They all which started this morning. They all left on a bus this morning. I'll be left on a bus this morning. I'll be left on a bus this morning. I'll be joining them later. joining them later. joining them later. I don't even need to tell you what to I don't even need to tell you what to I don't even need to tell you what to pray for. I feel like you just pray for. I feel like you just pray for. I feel like you just instinctively know, don't you? instinctively know, don't you? instinctively know, don't you? Seriously, if you'll pray for the Seriously, if you'll pray for the Seriously, if you'll pray for the speakers, that'll be me, Pastor Julius, speakers, that'll be me, Pastor Julius, speakers, that'll be me, Pastor Julius, Pastor Curtis. I'll be doing most of the Pastor Curtis. I'll be doing most of the Pastor Curtis. I'll be doing most of the speaking. Most of all, pray for the speaking. Most of all, pray for the speaking. Most of all, pray for the leaders and the counselors in leaders and the counselors in leaders and the counselors in the high school cabins cuz they do most the high school cabins cuz they do most the high school cabins cuz they do most of the heavy lifting and honestly, of the heavy lifting and honestly, of the heavy lifting and honestly, that's where most of the life change that's where most of the life change that's where most of the life change happens. happens. happens. Colossians 2:6 and 7 is our theme verse Colossians 2:6 and 7 is our theme verse Colossians 2:6 and 7 is our theme verse for the the week there. You could jot for the the week there. You could jot for the the week there. You could jot that down and pray through it. It's you that down and pray through it. It's you that down and pray through it. It's you as you have received Christ Jesus the as you have received Christ Jesus the as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, being rooted and Lord, so walk in him, being rooted and Lord, so walk in him, being rooted and grounded in your faith, established, and grounded in your faith, established, and grounded in your faith, established, and that you may abound that you may abound that you may abound in Thanksgiving and in glory to God. So, in Thanksgiving and in glory to God. So, in Thanksgiving and in glory to God. So, that'll be the will be preaching through that'll be the will be preaching through that'll be the will be preaching through each night. And so, do that. Get you one each night. And so, do that. Get you one each night. And so, do that. Get you one of these little bracelets and uh and of these little bracelets and uh and of these little bracelets and uh and pray every week that God will send an pray every week that God will send an pray every week that God will send an awakening to our students that will not awakening to our students that will not awakening to our students that will not just transform their high schools, but just transform their high schools, but just transform their high schools, but transform our church and this whole transform our church and this whole transform our church and this whole community. God is doing something in community. God is doing something in community. God is doing something in this next generation and uh we really this next generation and uh we really this next generation and uh we really want to lean into it. So, anyway, that'd want to lean into it. So, anyway, that'd want to lean into it. So, anyway, that'd be my personal request to you. Now, if be my personal request to you. Now, if be my personal request to you. Now, if you have your Bibles and I certainly you have your Bibles and I certainly you have your Bibles and I certainly hope that you do, want you to take them hope that you do, want you to take them hope that you do, want you to take them out and open them to Philippians chapter out and open them to Philippians chapter out and open them to Philippians chapter 4. Philippians 4 and 4. Philippians 4 and 4. Philippians 4 and we could all stand together for the we could all stand together for the we could all stand together for the reading of God's word. You listen as I reading of God's word. You listen as I reading of God's word. You listen as I read the first 10 or so verses beginning read the first 10 or so verses beginning read the first 10 or so verses beginning in verse 2.

in verse 2. in verse 2. I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women also, true companion, help these women also, true companion, help these women who have labored side by side with me in who have labored side by side with me in who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the the gospel together with Clement and the the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names rest of my fellow workers whose names rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the book of life. are in the book of life. are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I Rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I Rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I will say rejoice. Let your will say rejoice. Let your will say rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone reasonableness be known to everyone reasonableness be known to everyone because the Lord is at hand. Do not be because the Lord is at hand. Do not be because the Lord is at hand. Do not be anxious about anything, but in anxious about anything, but in anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication everything by prayer and supplication everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving, let your requests be with Thanksgiving, let your requests be with Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God made known to God and the peace of God made known to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will which passes all understanding will which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in guard your hearts and your minds in guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is lovely, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there's any whatever is commendable, if there's any whatever is commendable, if there's any excellence, if there is anything worthy excellence, if there is anything worthy excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. of praise, think about these things. of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and What you have learned and received and What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, heard and seen in me, heard and seen in me, practice these things and the God of practice these things and the God of practice these things and the God of peace will be with you.

peace will be with you. peace will be with you. And then let me borrow really quickly And then let me borrow really quickly And then let me borrow really quickly from next week's passage, from next week's passage, from next week's passage, verse 11. I have learned, you see, in verse 11. I have learned, you see, in verse 11. I have learned, you see, in whatever situation I am, whatever situation I am, whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought to be content. I know how to be brought to be content. I know how to be brought low I know how to abound. In any and low I know how to abound. In any and low I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the every circumstance, I have learned the every circumstance, I have learned the secret secret secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance of facing plenty and hunger, abundance of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through and need. I can do all things through and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Christ who strengthens me. Christ who strengthens me. This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people of God. of God. of God. >> Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. >> Thanks be to God. You may be seated. When was the last time When was the last time you you you felt felt felt happy? That was the name of an article I read That was the name of an article I read this week written by a woman recovering this week written by a woman recovering this week written by a woman recovering from depression. She said this was the from depression. She said this was the from depression. She said this was the question question question that her therapist posed to her toward that her therapist posed to her toward that her therapist posed to her toward the end of her counseling sessions after the end of her counseling sessions after the end of her counseling sessions after she assumed that she had fully recovered she assumed that she had fully recovered she assumed that she had fully recovered from depression.

from depression. from depression. I was thrown by the question, she said. I was thrown by the question, she said. I was thrown by the question, she said. I sat on her couch and mentally began to I sat on her couch and mentally began to I sat on her couch and mentally began to troll through 30 years of memories troll through 30 years of memories troll through 30 years of memories to try to find the point where I last to try to find the point where I last to try to find the point where I last felt that serene, felt that serene, felt that serene, stable, stable, stable, elusive positivity that we call elusive positivity that we call elusive positivity that we call happiness. Oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, no, I thought. Don't make me say it. Oh, no, I thought. Don't make me say it. Oh, no, I thought. Don't make me say it. But finally I had to. I can't remember But finally I had to. I can't remember But finally I had to. I can't remember the last time I felt happy. the last time I felt happy. the last time I felt happy. And suddenly she said my claim that I And suddenly she said my claim that I And suddenly she said my claim that I was on the road to recovery sounded was on the road to recovery sounded was on the road to recovery sounded utterly foolish. utterly foolish. utterly foolish. I cried, I cried, I cried, and she passed me a little box of and she passed me a little box of and she passed me a little box of tissues, and then she wrote something tissues, and then she wrote something tissues, and then she wrote something down. down. down. The writer said this realization hit her The writer said this realization hit her The writer said this realization hit her harder than her original diagnosis of harder than her original diagnosis of harder than her original diagnosis of depression had. depression had. depression had. You see, her life at this point, after You see, her life at this point, after You see, her life at this point, after all these counseling sessions, her life all these counseling sessions, her life all these counseling sessions, her life was going fine. was going fine. was going fine. She was functioning, paying the bills, She was functioning, paying the bills, She was functioning, paying the bills, going to work, showing up for her going to work, showing up for her going to work, showing up for her friends, laughing at all the right friends, laughing at all the right friends, laughing at all the right moments. From the outside, life looked moments. From the outside, life looked moments. From the outside, life looked normal.

normal. normal. But she still could not remember the But she still could not remember the But she still could not remember the last time she felt last time she felt last time she felt happy. happy. happy. I've had similar conversations with so I've had similar conversations with so I've had similar conversations with so many people, some right here in our many people, some right here in our many people, some right here in our church, over the years. church, over the years. church, over the years. In fact, if I stopped the message right In fact, if I stopped the message right In fact, if I stopped the message right now, now, now, and I made my way back to you, and I and I made my way back to you, and I and I made my way back to you, and I looked you in the face and asked you, looked you in the face and asked you, looked you in the face and asked you, "When was the last time you were "When was the last time you were "When was the last time you were genuinely happy?" genuinely happy?" genuinely happy?" How quickly would an answer come to your How quickly would an answer come to your How quickly would an answer come to your mind? mind? mind? And maybe the answer would come easily. And maybe the answer would come easily. And maybe the answer would come easily. If so, praise God. But every one of us If so, praise God. But every one of us If so, praise God. But every one of us knows the difficulty of trying to find knows the difficulty of trying to find knows the difficulty of trying to find and hold on to happiness. and hold on to happiness. and hold on to happiness. It's like as we get older, life seems to It's like as we get older, life seems to It's like as we get older, life seems to become a cycle of identifying some new become a cycle of identifying some new become a cycle of identifying some new thing that we think will give us that thing that we think will give us that thing that we think will give us that serene state of euphoria and serene state of euphoria and serene state of euphoria and achievement, a new relationship, a new achievement, a new relationship, a new achievement, a new relationship, a new possession, a new status that you possession, a new status that you possession, a new status that you acquire. And when you acquire it, it acquire. And when you acquire it, it acquire. And when you acquire it, it gives you a little bump for a little gives you a little bump for a little gives you a little bump for a little while, while, while, but soon enough you return to your but soon enough you return to your but soon enough you return to your baseline level of unhappiness. baseline level of unhappiness. baseline level of unhappiness. Psychologists even have a term for this.

Psychologists even have a term for this. Psychologists even have a term for this. They call it the hedonic treadmill. They call it the hedonic treadmill. They call it the hedonic treadmill. You got a baseline level of happiness or You got a baseline level of happiness or You got a baseline level of happiness or unhappiness, and you tread along there, unhappiness, and you tread along there, unhappiness, and you tread along there, right? This is just normal life. It's right? This is just normal life. It's right? This is just normal life. It's just what you're like. And then you just what you're like. And then you just what you're like. And then you finally get that thing you've been finally get that thing you've been finally get that thing you've been craving for for so long, the craving for for so long, the craving for for so long, the long-awaited promotion, the marriage, long-awaited promotion, the marriage, long-awaited promotion, the marriage, kids, kids, kids, kids out of the house, kids out of the house, kids out of the house, your son gets married, and there's a your son gets married, and there's a your son gets married, and there's a temporary euphoria and the treadmill temporary euphoria and the treadmill temporary euphoria and the treadmill speeds up, you're a little bit happier. speeds up, you're a little bit happier. speeds up, you're a little bit happier. But pretty soon you return to that same But pretty soon you return to that same But pretty soon you return to that same baseline level of happiness or baseline level of happiness or baseline level of happiness or unhappiness that you started with. unhappiness that you started with. unhappiness that you started with. In fact, there was an absolutely In fact, there was an absolutely In fact, there was an absolutely fascinating study that psychologists did fascinating study that psychologists did fascinating study that psychologists did a few years ago that compared lottery a few years ago that compared lottery a few years ago that compared lottery winners winners winners with people who had experienced with people who had experienced with people who had experienced catastrophic injuries. catastrophic injuries. catastrophic injuries. Of course, the lottery winners had a Of course, the lottery winners had a Of course, the lottery winners had a surge of happiness, and those with the surge of happiness, and those with the surge of happiness, and those with the catastrophic life-changing injuries had catastrophic life-changing injuries had catastrophic life-changing injuries had a surge of sadness. a surge of sadness. a surge of sadness. But get this. But get this. But get this. After time passed, both groups drifted After time passed, both groups drifted After time passed, both groups drifted back surprisingly close to the baseline back surprisingly close to the baseline back surprisingly close to the baseline level they started at.

level they started at. level they started at. Are you happy? Are you happy? Are you happy? Studies suggest this is a problem only Studies suggest this is a problem only Studies suggest this is a problem only getting worse in our society. getting worse in our society. getting worse in our society. Despite all the books and all the Despite all the books and all the Despite all the books and all the podcasts devoted to the good life, podcasts devoted to the good life, podcasts devoted to the good life, things aren't getting better, they're things aren't getting better, they're things aren't getting better, they're getting worse. In the last 10 years, the getting worse. In the last 10 years, the getting worse. In the last 10 years, the United States has fallen from 11th to United States has fallen from 11th to United States has fallen from 11th to 24th on the World Happiness Index. 24th on the World Happiness Index. 24th on the World Happiness Index. And this has mostly been driven by Gen And this has mostly been driven by Gen And this has mostly been driven by Gen Z. Z. Z. How many Gen Z'ers we got out there? How many Gen Z'ers we got out there? How many Gen Z'ers we got out there? Raise your hand. Raise your hand. Raise your hand. We love you, but y'all are depressed. We love you, but y'all are depressed. We love you, but y'all are depressed. The rate of young adults who classify The rate of young adults who classify The rate of young adults who classify themselves as perennially unhappy has themselves as perennially unhappy has themselves as perennially unhappy has doubled since 2017. doubled since 2017. doubled since 2017. Y'all, I think all this makes Paul's Y'all, I think all this makes Paul's Y'all, I think all this makes Paul's statement in Philippians 4 so utterly statement in Philippians 4 so utterly statement in Philippians 4 so utterly jolting to us. jolting to us. jolting to us. Verse 11, I've learned, Paul said, in Verse 11, I've learned, Paul said, in Verse 11, I've learned, Paul said, in whatever situation I am, whatever situation I am, whatever situation I am, I've learned to be content. Or in this I've learned to be content. Or in this I've learned to be content. Or in this context, you could read those words as context, you could read those words as context, you could read those words as I've learned how to be happy. I've learned how to be happy. I've learned how to be happy. In this context, Paul would use happy In this context, Paul would use happy In this context, Paul would use happy and content interchangeably. Verse 12, and content interchangeably. Verse 12, and content interchangeably. Verse 12, Paul says when I'm brought low, brought Paul says when I'm brought low, brought Paul says when I'm brought low, brought low through bad health, strained low through bad health, strained low through bad health, strained relationships, you didn't get the relationships, you didn't get the relationships, you didn't get the promotion.

promotion. promotion. Or for Paul, you ended up in a prison Or for Paul, you ended up in a prison Or for Paul, you ended up in a prison cell, abandoned by your friends. Paul cell, abandoned by your friends. Paul cell, abandoned by your friends. Paul said, even there I can be happy. said, even there I can be happy. said, even there I can be happy. And when I abound, And when I abound, And when I abound, that is when everybody's singing my that is when everybody's singing my that is when everybody's singing my praises, the money is pouring in, or all praises, the money is pouring in, or all praises, the money is pouring in, or all I can do is win, win, win, no matter I can do is win, win, win, no matter I can do is win, win, win, no matter what. what. what. Yeah, I can be content there, too. Yeah, I can be content there, too. Yeah, I can be content there, too. Studies show that in 21st century Studies show that in 21st century Studies show that in 21st century America, we don't even know how to hold America, we don't even know how to hold America, we don't even know how to hold on to happiness in the abounding state. And Paul says he can be happy even when And Paul says he can be happy even when he's in the non-abounding state. he's in the non-abounding state. he's in the non-abounding state. Paul's hedonic treadmill runs at Paul's hedonic treadmill runs at Paul's hedonic treadmill runs at happiness. happiness. happiness. How? That's the question, right? How? That's the question, right? How? That's the question, right? But you notice back in verse four that But you notice back in verse four that But you notice back in verse four that this claim that he makes about himself, this claim that he makes about himself, this claim that he makes about himself, that he can be happy and joyful in all that he can be happy and joyful in all that he can be happy and joyful in all circumstances, in verse four he turns circumstances, in verse four he turns circumstances, in verse four he turns that into a command for you and for me. that into a command for you and for me. that into a command for you and for me. Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always. Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always. Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I'll say it for you guys in And again, I'll say it for you guys in And again, I'll say it for you guys in the back that didn't hear it, rejoice. the back that didn't hear it, rejoice. the back that didn't hear it, rejoice. The same kind of happiness that Paul The same kind of happiness that Paul The same kind of happiness that Paul had, you and I can have too. So let me had, you and I can have too. So let me had, you and I can have too. So let me just ask an obvious question, some of just ask an obvious question, some of just ask an obvious question, some of you have already been asking it. Was you have already been asking it. Was you have already been asking it. Was Paul just one of those annoying, Paul just one of those annoying, Paul just one of those annoying, unrealistically optimistic people?

unrealistically optimistic people? unrealistically optimistic people? Always finding the bright side. Always finding the bright side. Always finding the bright side. Always putting a positive spin on Always putting a positive spin on Always putting a positive spin on everything. everything. everything. Was this what Paul's prison cell would Was this what Paul's prison cell would Was this what Paul's prison cell would look like if we got a glass back in look like if we got a glass back in look like if we got a glass back in there? Live laugh love, hashtag blessed, there? Live laugh love, hashtag blessed, there? Live laugh love, hashtag blessed, you know? Is this Is this Some of you you know? Is this Is this Some of you you know? Is this Is this Some of you saw this coming, okay. Is this Paul? saw this coming, okay. Is this Paul? saw this coming, okay. Is this Paul? Is this Paul? Is this Paul? Is this Paul? Listen, some of you won't like this, but Listen, some of you won't like this, but Listen, some of you won't like this, but I say this as a committed optimist. I say this as a committed optimist. I say this as a committed optimist. My wife would say a often annoying My wife would say a often annoying My wife would say a often annoying optimist. optimist. optimist. Psychologists have studied optimists for Psychologists have studied optimists for Psychologists have studied optimists for decades, decades, decades, and they have concluded that optimistic and they have concluded that optimistic and they have concluded that optimistic people are, and I quote, in general less people are, and I quote, in general less people are, and I quote, in general less accurate in their perception of reality. accurate in their perception of reality. accurate in their perception of reality. They overestimate their chances of They overestimate their chances of They overestimate their chances of success, that's my entire life story. success, that's my entire life story. success, that's my entire life story. They underestimate the risk, and they They underestimate the risk, and they They underestimate the risk, and they remember the past as better than it was. remember the past as better than it was. remember the past as better than it was. Listen y'all, that's the world I live Listen y'all, that's the world I live Listen y'all, that's the world I live in. I'm happy to be here, you keep your in. I'm happy to be here, you keep your in. I'm happy to be here, you keep your dark cloud out of it, okay? dark cloud out of it, okay? dark cloud out of it, okay? But was that all that Paul was? Was he But was that all that Paul was? Was he But was that all that Paul was? Was he just a cheery, chipper optimist? just a cheery, chipper optimist? just a cheery, chipper optimist? I don't think so. I don't think so. I don't think so. I mean, Paul seems to be really I mean, Paul seems to be really I mean, Paul seems to be really clear-eyed about his pain.

clear-eyed about his pain. clear-eyed about his pain. Paul knew intimately tears of Paul knew intimately tears of Paul knew intimately tears of bereavement and abandonment and bereavement and abandonment and bereavement and abandonment and disappointment, and there's nothing in disappointment, and there's nothing in disappointment, and there's nothing in here that talks about expectations of a here that talks about expectations of a here that talks about expectations of a sunny tomorrow, not one word. sunny tomorrow, not one word. sunny tomorrow, not one word. In fact y'all, it's the over-the-topness In fact y'all, it's the over-the-topness In fact y'all, it's the over-the-topness of Paul's words that stand out, right? of Paul's words that stand out, right? of Paul's words that stand out, right? Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always, Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always, Verse four, rejoice in the Lord always, not sometimes, not most of the time, not sometimes, not most of the time, not sometimes, not most of the time, always, every second. Verse 5, let your always, every second. Verse 5, let your always, every second. Verse 5, let your reasonableness or your gentleness, your reasonableness or your gentleness, your reasonableness or your gentleness, your easy-going nature. We'll talk more about easy-going nature. We'll talk more about easy-going nature. We'll talk more about this word in a minute. Let it be known this word in a minute. Let it be known this word in a minute. Let it be known to everybody, everywhere, at all times. to everybody, everywhere, at all times. to everybody, everywhere, at all times. Verse 6, do not be anxious about Verse 6, do not be anxious about Verse 6, do not be anxious about anything. There's nothing in your life anything. There's nothing in your life anything. There's nothing in your life that should cause you anxiety. I'll be that should cause you anxiety. I'll be that should cause you anxiety. I'll be honest, just reading that makes me honest, just reading that makes me honest, just reading that makes me uncomfortable. Because I know the kind of pain that Because I know the kind of pain that some of you are carrying right now. some of you are carrying right now. some of you are carrying right now. And the thought of just kind of bouncing And the thought of just kind of bouncing And the thought of just kind of bouncing into your hospital room to tell you this into your hospital room to tell you this into your hospital room to tell you this or by a graveside or by a graveside or by a graveside or on the other side of a terrible or on the other side of a terrible or on the other side of a terrible divorce or in the middle of a divorce divorce or in the middle of a divorce divorce or in the middle of a divorce and just to come up and be like, "It's and just to come up and be like, "It's and just to come up and be like, "It's okay, don't worry, be happy, Hakuna okay, don't worry, be happy, Hakuna okay, don't worry, be happy, Hakuna Matata." or whatever.

Matata." or whatever. Matata." or whatever. Either Paul is hopelessly, delusionally Either Paul is hopelessly, delusionally Either Paul is hopelessly, delusionally out of touch with reality out of touch with reality out of touch with reality or Paul has figured out something we or Paul has figured out something we or Paul has figured out something we haven't. haven't. haven't. He calls it the secret. He calls it the secret. He calls it the secret. That's what I want to show you. That's what I want to show you. That's what I want to show you. What you notice back in verse 11, Paul What you notice back in verse 11, Paul What you notice back in verse 11, Paul says, "This secret is something he has says, "This secret is something he has says, "This secret is something he has learned." learned." learned." I have learned in whatever state I am to I have learned in whatever state I am to I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. Happiness was not a feature be content. Happiness was not a feature be content. Happiness was not a feature of Paul's personality. It is something of Paul's personality. It is something of Paul's personality. It is something he learned and the good news in that is he learned and the good news in that is he learned and the good news in that is that means it's something you can learn, that means it's something you can learn, that means it's something you can learn, too. too. too. And so y'all, this passage, maybe more And so y'all, this passage, maybe more And so y'all, this passage, maybe more than any other in the book of than any other in the book of than any other in the book of Philippians, gives us the secret. That Philippians, gives us the secret. That Philippians, gives us the secret. That is the word that Paul uses. It's where is the word that Paul uses. It's where is the word that Paul uses. It's where the title of the series came from. He the title of the series came from. He the title of the series came from. He gives us the secret to the good life. My gives us the secret to the good life. My gives us the secret to the good life. My friend Kyle Idleman, another pastor up friend Kyle Idleman, another pastor up friend Kyle Idleman, another pastor up in Kentucky, says Paul in this passage in Kentucky, says Paul in this passage in Kentucky, says Paul in this passage identifies a handful of joy thieves and identifies a handful of joy thieves and identifies a handful of joy thieves and the key to joy is knowing how to get rid the key to joy is knowing how to get rid the key to joy is knowing how to get rid of these things. of these things. of these things. I'm going to use a couple that Kyle had I'm going to use a couple that Kyle had I'm going to use a couple that Kyle had in this passage. I'm going to add a in this passage. I'm going to add a in this passage. I'm going to add a couple of my own to the list and give couple of my own to the list and give couple of my own to the list and give you four joy thieves that if you can you four joy thieves that if you can you four joy thieves that if you can overcome these, this is the secret overcome these, this is the secret overcome these, this is the secret to the joy, the happiness to the joy, the happiness to the joy, the happiness that I brought this up at the beginning.

that I brought this up at the beginning. that I brought this up at the beginning. Here we are. The first and biggest Here we are. The first and biggest Here we are. The first and biggest joy thief in your life, Paul says, joy thief in your life, Paul says, joy thief in your life, Paul says, is amnesia. is amnesia. is amnesia. Amnesia, verse 5, "Let your Amnesia, verse 5, "Let your Amnesia, verse 5, "Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. reasonableness be known to everyone. reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand." The Lord is at hand." The Lord is at hand." Now, let's first press into what exactly Now, let's first press into what exactly Now, let's first press into what exactly Paul's saying here because the wording Paul's saying here because the wording Paul's saying here because the wording can be confusing. You see, the word that can be confusing. You see, the word that can be confusing. You see, the word that we translate as reasonableness is a hard we translate as reasonableness is a hard we translate as reasonableness is a hard word to translate from Greek. word to translate from Greek. word to translate from Greek. The Greek word is epieikes. The Greek word is epieikes. The Greek word is epieikes. It's a very important Greek word. In It's a very important Greek word. In It's a very important Greek word. In fact, say it with me, epieikes. fact, say it with me, epieikes. fact, say it with me, epieikes. Not yippee-ki-yay, okay? That's a Not yippee-ki-yay, okay? That's a Not yippee-ki-yay, okay? That's a different word. Epieikes, different word. Epieikes, different word. Epieikes, and it just doesn't have a good English and it just doesn't have a good English and it just doesn't have a good English equivalent, so it gets translated a equivalent, so it gets translated a equivalent, so it gets translated a bunch of different ways. The If you have bunch of different ways. The If you have bunch of different ways. The If you have the ESV version of the Bible, which I'm the ESV version of the Bible, which I'm the ESV version of the Bible, which I'm using, that says reasonableness. The NIV using, that says reasonableness. The NIV using, that says reasonableness. The NIV says gentleness. The CSB says says gentleness. The CSB says says gentleness. The CSB says graciousness. The New King James Version graciousness. The New King James Version graciousness. The New King James Version says moderation. Some translations say a says moderation. Some translations say a says moderation. Some translations say a mild spirit. My personal favorite is a mild spirit. My personal favorite is a mild spirit. My personal favorite is a radical evenness of temper. Scholars say radical evenness of temper. Scholars say radical evenness of temper. Scholars say the word almost carries the connotation the word almost carries the connotation the word almost carries the connotation of being laid-back.

of being laid-back. of being laid-back. Paul's basically telling people to chill Paul's basically telling people to chill Paul's basically telling people to chill out and not be so uptight. out and not be so uptight. out and not be so uptight. Of course, it's always helpful to Of course, it's always helpful to Of course, it's always helpful to understand the context into which Paul understand the context into which Paul understand the context into which Paul is speaking, and in this case, Paul is speaking, and in this case, Paul is speaking, and in this case, Paul tells you. He opens the chapter tells you. He opens the chapter tells you. He opens the chapter addressing two women in the church who addressing two women in the church who addressing two women in the church who weren't getting along, Euodia and weren't getting along, Euodia and weren't getting along, Euodia and Syntyche, or as I like to call them Syntyche, or as I like to call them Syntyche, or as I like to call them Odious and Stinky, because quite Odious and Stinky, because quite Odious and Stinky, because quite frankly, their attitude stunk. frankly, their attitude stunk. frankly, their attitude stunk. By the way, if I could just point out By the way, if I could just point out By the way, if I could just point out something really quickly, something really quickly, something really quickly, it's significant to me that Paul takes it's significant to me that Paul takes it's significant to me that Paul takes time to address these women. time to address these women. time to address these women. He didn't say, "Well, that's just the He didn't say, "Well, that's just the He didn't say, "Well, that's just the women. women. women. They're not getting along." They're not getting along." They're not getting along." No, he knows how vitally important their No, he knows how vitally important their No, he knows how vitally important their ministry is to the health of the church. ministry is to the health of the church. ministry is to the health of the church. They are personal friends of his. They They are personal friends of his. They They are personal friends of his. They are fellow laborers with him in the are fellow laborers with him in the are fellow laborers with him in the gospel. That's what he calls them. And gospel. That's what he calls them. And gospel. That's what he calls them. And their health in this church, he knows, their health in this church, he knows, their health in this church, he knows, is vitally important to the future of is vitally important to the future of is vitally important to the future of that church. Paul knows that for the that church. Paul knows that for the that church. Paul knows that for the church in Philippi to thrive, they need church in Philippi to thrive, they need church in Philippi to thrive, they need these female leaders to thrive, too. these female leaders to thrive, too. these female leaders to thrive, too. And I'll just say I feel the exact feel And I'll just say I feel the exact feel And I'll just say I feel the exact feel the way about female leaders in our the way about female leaders in our the way about female leaders in our church. church. church. There are so many women at our church There are so many women at our church There are so many women at our church who co-labor with me in the gospel. who co-labor with me in the gospel. who co-labor with me in the gospel. Their leadership here is invaluable.

Their leadership here is invaluable. Their leadership here is invaluable. Some of them you know, many of them you Some of them you know, many of them you Some of them you know, many of them you don't. Dr. Christie Thornton who works don't. Dr. Christie Thornton who works don't. Dr. Christie Thornton who works on our discipleship team, future Dr. on our discipleship team, future Dr. on our discipleship team, future Dr. Jeanette Oney who runs our creative Jeanette Oney who runs our creative Jeanette Oney who runs our creative team, worship leaders like Molly team, worship leaders like Molly team, worship leaders like Molly Vetovich and Mia Lazard, Keisha Walton, Vetovich and Mia Lazard, Keisha Walton, Vetovich and Mia Lazard, Keisha Walton, student directors like Hannah Spraggins student directors like Hannah Spraggins student directors like Hannah Spraggins and Abby Johnson who left on a bus this and Abby Johnson who left on a bus this and Abby Johnson who left on a bus this morning. In fact, I even hesitate to morning. In fact, I even hesitate to morning. In fact, I even hesitate to mention some of their names because I mention some of their names because I mention some of their names because I know that for every one of them I know that for every one of them I know that for every one of them I mention I'm going to leave out 10. But I mention I'm going to leave out 10. But I mention I'm going to leave out 10. But I thank God for all of them and so should thank God for all of them and so should thank God for all of them and so should you and I want them to thrive. you and I want them to thrive. you and I want them to thrive. Which is why Paul is writing this. Which is why Paul is writing this. Which is why Paul is writing this. Okay, let's go back now to Odeous and Okay, let's go back now to Odeous and Okay, let's go back now to Odeous and Stinky which again are just my temporary Stinky which again are just my temporary Stinky which again are just my temporary names for them until they get their names for them until they get their names for them until they get their stuff worked out. stuff worked out. stuff worked out. Paul never tells us what their beef was. Paul never tells us what their beef was. Paul never tells us what their beef was. Because his counsel to them goes deeper Because his counsel to them goes deeper Because his counsel to them goes deeper than their beef. than their beef. than their beef. He tells them whatever their beef is He tells them whatever their beef is He tells them whatever their beef is not to take themselves or winning this not to take themselves or winning this not to take themselves or winning this little battle or being vindicated so little battle or being vindicated so little battle or being vindicated so seriously. seriously. seriously. Instead he says you should be gentle, Instead he says you should be gentle, Instead he says you should be gentle, mild, gracious, laid-back, radically mild, gracious, laid-back, radically mild, gracious, laid-back, radically even-tempered. Why? He tells you, even-tempered. Why? He tells you, even-tempered. Why? He tells you, because the Lord is at hand.

because the Lord is at hand. because the Lord is at hand. He is returning soon and when he comes He is returning soon and when he comes He is returning soon and when he comes well ladies, earthly vindication in this well ladies, earthly vindication in this well ladies, earthly vindication in this little squabble of yours is going to little squabble of yours is going to little squabble of yours is going to seem rather trivial. Am I right? seem rather trivial. Am I right? seem rather trivial. Am I right? Now hear me, Paul is not saying they Now hear me, Paul is not saying they Now hear me, Paul is not saying they should not explain their case. Paul is should not explain their case. Paul is should not explain their case. Paul is not saying that justice doesn't matter. not saying that justice doesn't matter. not saying that justice doesn't matter. He's just saying that if in the end He's just saying that if in the end He's just saying that if in the end things don't go your way, you shouldn't things don't go your way, you shouldn't things don't go your way, you shouldn't act like it's the end of the world act like it's the end of the world act like it's the end of the world because literally it's not. because literally it's not. because literally it's not. Earthly vindication is rather trivial in Earthly vindication is rather trivial in Earthly vindication is rather trivial in light of eternity. light of eternity. light of eternity. The Lord is at hand. The Lord is at hand. The Lord is at hand. I I lost my phone I I lost my phone I I lost my phone this past weekend. this past weekend. this past weekend. I was standing on the back of a ski boat I was standing on the back of a ski boat I was standing on the back of a ski boat trying to throw the rope to somebody in trying to throw the rope to somebody in trying to throw the rope to somebody in the water the water the water and I had my phone in this hand and the and I had my phone in this hand and the and I had my phone in this hand and the ski rope in my right hand because I was ski rope in my right hand because I was ski rope in my right hand because I was also of course trying to control the also of course trying to control the also of course trying to control the music. music. music. And in the process of throwing the ski And in the process of throwing the ski And in the process of throwing the ski rope, I clipped my phone rope, I clipped my phone rope, I clipped my phone and I watched as if in slow motion, I and I watched as if in slow motion, I and I watched as if in slow motion, I watched it go spinning through the air watched it go spinning through the air watched it go spinning through the air like, "No!" You know, as it goes in and like, "No!" You know, as it goes in and like, "No!" You know, as it goes in and it plopped right in the water. And of it plopped right in the water. And of it plopped right in the water. And of course, it's got my license and all my course, it's got my license and all my course, it's got my license and all my credit cards attached to it. And I see credit cards attached to it. And I see credit cards attached to it. And I see it slowly sinking down, disappearing it slowly sinking down, disappearing it slowly sinking down, disappearing into the water like Leonardo DiCaprio in into the water like Leonardo DiCaprio in into the water like Leonardo DiCaprio in the North Atlantic after Rose wouldn't the North Atlantic after Rose wouldn't the North Atlantic after Rose wouldn't share her door with him. Okay?

share her door with him. Okay? share her door with him. Okay? So, I said to the guy in the water that So, I said to the guy in the water that So, I said to the guy in the water that I was trying to throw the ski rope to, I was trying to throw the ski rope to, I was trying to throw the ski rope to, right? "My phone! My phone!" I'm right? "My phone! My phone!" I'm right? "My phone! My phone!" I'm pointing at him. Because he's literally pointing at him. Because he's literally pointing at him. Because he's literally he's right there. he's right there. he's right there. And he could have just reached out and And he could have just reached out and And he could have just reached out and grabbed it. grabbed it. grabbed it. But he could not understand what I was But he could not understand what I was But he could not understand what I was trying to say to him. And by the time I trying to say to him. And by the time I trying to say to him. And by the time I realized he couldn't understand me, I'd realized he couldn't understand me, I'd realized he couldn't understand me, I'd wasted those precious few seconds that wasted those precious few seconds that wasted those precious few seconds that the phone was still visible. the phone was still visible. the phone was still visible. And so, at this point, the phone was And so, at this point, the phone was And so, at this point, the phone was gone. gone. gone. So, I immediately look over the depth So, I immediately look over the depth So, I immediately look over the depth finder on the boat because there are finder on the boat because there are finder on the boat because there are some places at at Lake Gaston where it's some places at at Lake Gaston where it's some places at at Lake Gaston where it's only like 10 to 15 ft deep. only like 10 to 15 ft deep. only like 10 to 15 ft deep. And I thought, cuz at this point it's And I thought, cuz at this point it's And I thought, cuz at this point it's still controlling the music on the boat. still controlling the music on the boat. still controlling the music on the boat. And I thought I thought, "Well, maybe if And I thought I thought, "Well, maybe if And I thought I thought, "Well, maybe if I get somebody to text me, the light I get somebody to text me, the light I get somebody to text me, the light will come on. I can see where it is and will come on. I can see where it is and will come on. I can see where it is and I can dive down and get it." I can dive down and get it." I can dive down and get it." But the depth finder said 61 ft. And so, But the depth finder said 61 ft. And so, But the depth finder said 61 ft. And so, I knew that was a little beyond even my I knew that was a little beyond even my I knew that was a little beyond even my range. Okay? So, now that's annoying, range. Okay? So, now that's annoying, range. Okay? So, now that's annoying, right? right? right? Phones are expensive to replace. Phones are expensive to replace. Phones are expensive to replace. But let's just say But let's just say But let's just say that just before going out skiing, I had that just before going out skiing, I had that just before going out skiing, I had found that a rich uncle I never even found that a rich uncle I never even found that a rich uncle I never even knew I had had left me 10 billion knew I had had left me 10 billion knew I had had left me 10 billion dollars of inheritance. dollars of inheritance. dollars of inheritance. But when I dropped my phone, you're out But when I dropped my phone, you're out But when I dropped my phone, you're out there in the boat with me, I start there in the boat with me, I start there in the boat with me, I start losing my mind about how this is going losing my mind about how this is going losing my mind about how this is going to cost me several hundred dollars. And to cost me several hundred dollars. And to cost me several hundred dollars. And I start yelling at the guy in the water I start yelling at the guy in the water I start yelling at the guy in the water saying, "Why couldn't you just grab my saying, "Why couldn't you just grab my saying, "Why couldn't you just grab my phone, you idiot? I was telling you what phone, you idiot? I was telling you what phone, you idiot? I was telling you what to do."

to do." to do." You would probably look at me eventually You would probably look at me eventually You would probably look at me eventually and say, "Bro, chill out. Don't take and say, "Bro, chill out. Don't take and say, "Bro, chill out. Don't take this so seriously. A few hundred this so seriously. A few hundred this so seriously. A few hundred dollars? You got 10 billion waiting on dollars? You got 10 billion waiting on dollars? You got 10 billion waiting on you back at the dock. Act like it." FBI you back at the dock. Act like it." FBI you back at the dock. Act like it." FBI case. case. case. Paul's saying something very similar Paul's saying something very similar Paul's saying something very similar here. It's not that your pain or your here. It's not that your pain or your here. It's not that your pain or your inconvenience inconvenience inconvenience it's not that they're not real, it's it's not that they're not real, it's it's not that they're not real, it's just that the Lord is at hand. just that the Lord is at hand. just that the Lord is at hand. So, you got slighted, big deal. So, you got slighted, big deal. So, you got slighted, big deal. The ultimate judge is at the door. His The ultimate judge is at the door. His The ultimate judge is at the door. His approval is the only one that actually approval is the only one that actually approval is the only one that actually matters. So, you're missing out on some matters. So, you're missing out on some matters. So, you're missing out on some of life's pleasures, big deal. The Lord of life's pleasures, big deal. The Lord of life's pleasures, big deal. The Lord of eternity is nearby, coming soon, and of eternity is nearby, coming soon, and of eternity is nearby, coming soon, and in his presence is the fullness of joy, in his presence is the fullness of joy, in his presence is the fullness of joy, and at his right hand are pleasures and at his right hand are pleasures and at his right hand are pleasures forevermore. forevermore. forevermore. So, verse five, let your EPI case, your So, verse five, let your EPI case, your So, verse five, let your EPI case, your laid-back, reasonable, gentle, moderate laid-back, reasonable, gentle, moderate laid-back, reasonable, gentle, moderate disposition, let it be known to disposition, let it be known to disposition, let it be known to everybody, cuz that's probably the best everybody, cuz that's probably the best everybody, cuz that's probably the best testimony you could have. testimony you could have. testimony you could have. This verse means that you don't take This verse means that you don't take This verse means that you don't take anything on earth, positive or negative, anything on earth, positive or negative, anything on earth, positive or negative, that seriously. that seriously. that seriously. Cuz you know none of it's ultimate. Cuz you know none of it's ultimate. Cuz you know none of it's ultimate. Tim Keller says, this verse means Tim Keller says, this verse means Tim Keller says, this verse means positively positively positively when you get a raise at work, that's a when you get a raise at work, that's a when you get a raise at work, that's a good day, right? Everybody wants more good day, right? Everybody wants more good day, right? Everybody wants more money.

money. money. Okay, heart, don't get too excited about Okay, heart, don't get too excited about Okay, heart, don't get too excited about this. Don't be too excited about money this. Don't be too excited about money this. Don't be too excited about money because money is just temporary, and you because money is just temporary, and you because money is just temporary, and you ought to be able to leave it. ought to be able to leave it. ought to be able to leave it. And when the money's not there, when you And when the money's not there, when you And when the money's not there, when you don't get the raise, you ought to be don't get the raise, you ought to be don't get the raise, you ought to be able to do without it. able to do without it. able to do without it. If you understand the grace of God, If you understand the grace of God, If you understand the grace of God, it makes the worst times bearable and it makes the worst times bearable and it makes the worst times bearable and the best times leaveable. In fact, before I move on, In fact, before I move on, let me show you one other place let me show you one other place let me show you one other place that Paul applies that Paul applies that Paul applies this exact same concept this exact same concept this exact same concept because Paul applies it to an area that because Paul applies it to an area that because Paul applies it to an area that a lot of people a lot of people a lot of people in our day, in our day, in our day, the area most people blame for their the area most people blame for their the area most people blame for their unhappiness. unhappiness. unhappiness. Their singleness Their singleness Their singleness or their unhappy marriage. or their unhappy marriage. or their unhappy marriage. First Corinthians 7, look at verse 29. First Corinthians 7, look at verse 29. First Corinthians 7, look at verse 29. This is what I mean, brothers. This is what I mean, brothers. This is what I mean, brothers. The appointed time is growing very The appointed time is growing very The appointed time is growing very short. In other words, the Lord is at short. In other words, the Lord is at short. In other words, the Lord is at hand. hand. hand. Exactly what he's saying in Philippians Exactly what he's saying in Philippians Exactly what he's saying in Philippians 4.

4. 4. So, from now on, So, from now on, So, from now on, let those who have wives live as though let those who have wives live as though let those who have wives live as though they had none. they had none. they had none. And let those who mourn as though they And let those who mourn as though they And let those who mourn as though they weren't mourning. And let those who weren't mourning. And let those who weren't mourning. And let those who rejoice as though they were not rejoice as though they were not rejoice as though they were not rejoicing. rejoicing. rejoicing. He gives a couple of the categories and He gives a couple of the categories and He gives a couple of the categories and he ends the whole thing by saying, "For he ends the whole thing by saying, "For he ends the whole thing by saying, "For the present state of this world is the present state of this world is the present state of this world is passing away." passing away." passing away." Let those who have wives live as though Let those who have wives live as though Let those who have wives live as though they had none. That sounds like terrible they had none. That sounds like terrible they had none. That sounds like terrible marriage advice. marriage advice. marriage advice. Like the theme verse of a bunch of Like the theme verse of a bunch of Like the theme verse of a bunch of deadbeat men headed off to Vegas for the deadbeat men headed off to Vegas for the deadbeat men headed off to Vegas for the weekend. weekend. weekend. What Paul means, however, listen listen. What Paul means, however, listen listen. What Paul means, however, listen listen. What Paul means is that whatever earthly What Paul means is that whatever earthly What Paul means is that whatever earthly marital situation you find yourself in, marital situation you find yourself in, marital situation you find yourself in, married, unmarried, unhappily married, married, unmarried, unhappily married, married, unmarried, unhappily married, mourning, not mourning, happy mourning, not mourning, happy mourning, not mourning, happy circumstances, unhappy circumstances, circumstances, unhappy circumstances, circumstances, unhappy circumstances, it's all light and momentary. it's all light and momentary. it's all light and momentary. The time is short. The Lord is at hand. The time is short. The Lord is at hand. The time is short. The Lord is at hand. Your pain is temporary. Your pain is temporary. Your pain is temporary. You're unhappily single, just temporary.

You're unhappily single, just temporary. You're unhappily single, just temporary. You're stuck in an unfulfilling You're stuck in an unfulfilling You're stuck in an unfulfilling marriage, it's temporary. But let's just face the facts. There are But let's just face the facts. There are a lot of Christians who are in marital a lot of Christians who are in marital a lot of Christians who are in marital situations, maybe through no fault of situations, maybe through no fault of situations, maybe through no fault of their own, that are not ideal. their own, that are not ideal. their own, that are not ideal. They're widowed, they're divorced. They're widowed, they're divorced. They're widowed, they're divorced. Or they just never found the right Or they just never found the right Or they just never found the right person. Or how about this? They actually person. Or how about this? They actually person. Or how about this? They actually did find the right person, and then they did find the right person, and then they did find the right person, and then they got married to that person, and that got married to that person, and that got married to that person, and that person changed. person changed. person changed. I've seen that happen in this church. I've seen that happen in this church. I've seen that happen in this church. You marry somebody and they're one You marry somebody and they're one You marry somebody and they're one person, but then they change. Maybe they person, but then they change. Maybe they person, but then they change. Maybe they quit following Jesus, or they lose all quit following Jesus, or they lose all quit following Jesus, or they lose all interest in church, and now you're stuck interest in church, and now you're stuck interest in church, and now you're stuck in a terribly unfulfilling marriage. I'm in a terribly unfulfilling marriage. I'm in a terribly unfulfilling marriage. I'm not trying to trivialize this. not trying to trivialize this. not trying to trivialize this. But Paul addresses that situation But Paul addresses that situation But Paul addresses that situation directly in 1 Corinthians 7 and says, directly in 1 Corinthians 7 and says, directly in 1 Corinthians 7 and says, "It's okay." "It's okay." "It's okay." Yeah, it kind of stinks. I get it. Yeah, it kind of stinks. I get it. Yeah, it kind of stinks. I get it. Just endure it. Just endure it. Just endure it. And realize that none of these states And realize that none of these states And realize that none of these states carry on into eternity. None of them. carry on into eternity. None of them. carry on into eternity. None of them. They're all temporary. They're all temporary. They're all temporary. If you're physically healthy, it's If you're physically healthy, it's If you're physically healthy, it's temporary. If you're chronically sick, temporary. If you're chronically sick, temporary. If you're chronically sick, uh it's temporary, too. uh it's temporary, too. uh it's temporary, too. If you're single and feel like the day If you're single and feel like the day If you're single and feel like the day to find the one has passed you by, don't to find the one has passed you by, don't to find the one has passed you by, don't despair. Everything in this life is despair. Everything in this life is despair. Everything in this life is light and momentary compared to light and momentary compared to light and momentary compared to eternity. Let your radical evenness of eternity. Let your radical evenness of eternity. Let your radical evenness of temper be known to all because the Lord temper be known to all because the Lord temper be known to all because the Lord is at hand. And for some of you, I can is at hand. And for some of you, I can is at hand. And for some of you, I can feel it, this sounds like crazy talk.

feel it, this sounds like crazy talk. feel it, this sounds like crazy talk. Cuz you're like, "Well, the whole point Cuz you're like, "Well, the whole point Cuz you're like, "Well, the whole point is having a better life. That's the is having a better life. That's the is having a better life. That's the whole deal is we flourish." Yeah, I'm whole deal is we flourish." Yeah, I'm whole deal is we flourish." Yeah, I'm just telling you the Bible says the just telling you the Bible says the just telling you the Bible says the opposite. opposite. opposite. Bible says your lack of understanding of Bible says your lack of understanding of Bible says your lack of understanding of what eternity is and the focus that you what eternity is and the focus that you what eternity is and the focus that you have on this life is one of the primary have on this life is one of the primary have on this life is one of the primary problems of destroying your faith and problems of destroying your faith and problems of destroying your faith and killing your testimony. killing your testimony. killing your testimony. This is one of the reasons I always tell This is one of the reasons I always tell This is one of the reasons I always tell everyone I chafe at the idea of bucket everyone I chafe at the idea of bucket everyone I chafe at the idea of bucket lists. lists. lists. That's not just a light That's not just That's not just a light That's not just That's not just a light That's not just a light-hearted jab for me. a light-hearted jab for me. a light-hearted jab for me. I mean, there's nothing wrong, okay? I mean, there's nothing wrong, okay? I mean, there's nothing wrong, okay? There's nothing wrong with making a list There's nothing wrong with making a list There's nothing wrong with making a list of things you want to do as you get of things you want to do as you get of things you want to do as you get older. I'm not being all judgy judgy and older. I'm not being all judgy judgy and older. I'm not being all judgy judgy and super spiritual. super spiritual. super spiritual. I'm just saying the whole concept behind I'm just saying the whole concept behind I'm just saying the whole concept behind a true bucket list is that there's a a true bucket list is that there's a a true bucket list is that there's a bunch of joys that you could only bunch of joys that you could only bunch of joys that you could only experience right now on Earth experience right now on Earth experience right now on Earth and you better experience them before and you better experience them before and you better experience them before you kick the bucket because otherwise, you kick the bucket because otherwise, you kick the bucket because otherwise, you'll never have the chance to you'll never have the chance to you'll never have the chance to experience them again. experience them again. experience them again. And that can be kind of fun when we're And that can be kind of fun when we're And that can be kind of fun when we're talking about going skydiving in Hawaii, talking about going skydiving in Hawaii, talking about going skydiving in Hawaii, but then there are people in our church but then there are people in our church but then there are people in our church who despair about never getting married who despair about never getting married who despair about never getting married or never knowing the joy of having or never knowing the joy of having or never knowing the joy of having children, or never walking again. children, or never walking again. children, or never walking again. And I'm telling you they need to think And I'm telling you they need to think And I'm telling you they need to think the opposite of how we think in a bucket the opposite of how we think in a bucket the opposite of how we think in a bucket list.

list. list. Everything down here, Paul says, is Everything down here, Paul says, is Everything down here, Paul says, is child's play child's play child's play compared to what God has for us next. compared to what God has for us next. compared to what God has for us next. And I don't want my silly talk about a And I don't want my silly talk about a And I don't want my silly talk about a bucket list to make the people who are bucket list to make the people who are bucket list to make the people who are truly in pain here despair that life has truly in pain here despair that life has truly in pain here despair that life has passed them by. Whatever you missed out on or Whatever you missed out on or experienced or failed to experience is experienced or failed to experience is experienced or failed to experience is not that significant because whatever not that significant because whatever not that significant because whatever you missed out on here is amply made up you missed out on here is amply made up you missed out on here is amply made up for and multiplied in the life to come. for and multiplied in the life to come. for and multiplied in the life to come. It's like we say, it's not YOLO. It's It's like we say, it's not YOLO. It's It's like we say, it's not YOLO. It's not you only live once. not you only live once. not you only live once. It's It's It's YALF. You actually live forever. YALF. You actually live forever. YALF. You actually live forever. So, if you need to get some tattoo do, So, if you need to get some tattoo do, So, if you need to get some tattoo do, you don't do this one. Do this one, you don't do this one. Do this one, you don't do this one. Do this one, okay? okay? okay? The secret to happiness, Paul says, is The secret to happiness, Paul says, is The secret to happiness, Paul says, is realizing that nothing down here is realizing that nothing down here is realizing that nothing down here is ultimate and remembering that the Lord ultimate and remembering that the Lord ultimate and remembering that the Lord is at hand. Amnesia about the shortness is at hand. Amnesia about the shortness is at hand. Amnesia about the shortness of life and the coming of Jesus is our of life and the coming of Jesus is our of life and the coming of Jesus is our first joy thief. first joy thief. first joy thief. The second is very closely related. In The second is very closely related. In The second is very closely related. In fact, it's really just an application of fact, it's really just an application of fact, it's really just an application of the first, so I'll make it pretty quick. the first, so I'll make it pretty quick. the first, so I'll make it pretty quick. Acrimony. Acrimony. Acrimony. Acrimony. Acrimony. Acrimony. Or bitterness over how something worked Or bitterness over how something worked Or bitterness over how something worked out. Remember Paul was addressing a out. Remember Paul was addressing a out. Remember Paul was addressing a specific situation involving two specific situation involving two specific situation involving two quarreling women?

quarreling women? quarreling women? Euodia and Syntyche. And Paul is in an Euodia and Syntyche. And Paul is in an Euodia and Syntyche. And Paul is in an attempt to resolve their beef. He aims attempt to resolve their beef. He aims attempt to resolve their beef. He aims deeper than the problem. He says, "Hey, deeper than the problem. He says, "Hey, deeper than the problem. He says, "Hey, the Lord is at hand." And then watch the Lord is at hand." And then watch the Lord is at hand." And then watch this, verse three, he says, "Hey, help this, verse three, he says, "Hey, help this, verse three, he says, "Hey, help these women these women these women whose names are in the book of life." He whose names are in the book of life." He whose names are in the book of life." He gently reminds them, "Hey ladies, your gently reminds them, "Hey ladies, your gently reminds them, "Hey ladies, your names are in the book of life. names are in the book of life. names are in the book of life. Jesus is for you. He's bringing you a Jesus is for you. He's bringing you a Jesus is for you. He's bringing you a kingdom beyond your wildest kingdom beyond your wildest kingdom beyond your wildest imaginations. So, if you end up on the imaginations. So, if you end up on the imaginations. So, if you end up on the short side of justice, you end up on the short side of justice, you end up on the short side of justice, you end up on the wrong end of a gossip stream, you end up wrong end of a gossip stream, you end up wrong end of a gossip stream, you end up on the outside of a friend circle, he'll on the outside of a friend circle, he'll on the outside of a friend circle, he'll take care of that. In light of that, take care of that. In light of that, take care of that. In light of that, stinky, stinky, stinky, the damage that Euodia did to you is not the damage that Euodia did to you is not the damage that Euodia did to you is not that bad." One of the things that God has been One of the things that God has been really working on in my life, really working on in my life, really working on in my life, personally, personally, personally, is my need is my need is my need to be vindicated. to be vindicated. to be vindicated. I like to be in the right. I like to be in the right. I like to be in the right. There, I just said it, okay? There, I just said it, okay? There, I just said it, okay? And I like other people to know that I'm And I like other people to know that I'm And I like other people to know that I'm in the right. in the right. in the right. I've told you I've lost arguments I've told you I've lost arguments I've told you I've lost arguments before, but then I immediately rerun before, but then I immediately rerun before, but then I immediately rerun that argument in my head and I win it.

that argument in my head and I win it. that argument in my head and I win it. I'm like, "Oh, then he said and then I I'm like, "Oh, then he said and then I I'm like, "Oh, then he said and then I would have said and then he would have would have said and then he would have would have said and then he would have fallen in shame." Right? I I I've I've fallen in shame." Right? I I I've I've fallen in shame." Right? I I I've I've I've lost lots of arguments in my life. I've lost lots of arguments in my life. I've lost lots of arguments in my life. I've never lost a rerun, not one time. I I've never lost a rerun, not one time. I I've never lost a rerun, not one time. I win all of them. win all of them. win all of them. I think this need comes out of an insecurity about my comes out of an insecurity about my reputation. I want people to think of me reputation. I want people to think of me reputation. I want people to think of me as smart and competent and right. as smart and competent and right. as smart and competent and right. And so I'm sensitive about narratives And so I'm sensitive about narratives And so I'm sensitive about narratives told about me in which I'm not presented told about me in which I'm not presented told about me in which I'm not presented in those ways. in those ways. in those ways. Sometimes, joy of joys, Sometimes, joy of joys, Sometimes, joy of joys, I bring that need to be vindicated into I bring that need to be vindicated into I bring that need to be vindicated into my marriage. my marriage. my marriage. My wife and I have an issue, My wife and I have an issue, My wife and I have an issue, even if she consents to go along with me even if she consents to go along with me even if she consents to go along with me on something, I really want her to on something, I really want her to on something, I really want her to acknowledge that I was right all along. acknowledge that I was right all along. acknowledge that I was right all along. I'm right. My actions were reasonable. I'm right. My actions were reasonable. I'm right. My actions were reasonable. You're like, "Well, I feel sorry for You're like, "Well, I feel sorry for You're like, "Well, I feel sorry for Veronica." Yeah, I'm sure you're super Veronica." Yeah, I'm sure you're super Veronica." Yeah, I'm sure you're super easy to be married to also, okay? So, easy to be married to also, okay? So, easy to be married to also, okay? So, get over yourself. I've had to ask myself, what is this I've had to ask myself, what is this need of mine to always have earthly need of mine to always have earthly need of mine to always have earthly validation? validation? validation? Isn't it that it's core, isn't it an Isn't it that it's core, isn't it an Isn't it that it's core, isn't it an unbelief in a present God who is close unbelief in a present God who is close unbelief in a present God who is close at hand and in whom I have ultimate at hand and in whom I have ultimate at hand and in whom I have ultimate treasure? Doesn't my need to be treasure? Doesn't my need to be treasure? Doesn't my need to be vindicated by you vindicated by you vindicated by you show you that I either don't believe in show you that I either don't believe in show you that I either don't believe in God's ultimate vindication of me or that God's ultimate vindication of me or that God's ultimate vindication of me or that I just don't put that much weight on it?

I just don't put that much weight on it? I just don't put that much weight on it? So, what if a bunch of no-account So, what if a bunch of no-account So, what if a bunch of no-account earthlings have a low opinion of me? No earthlings have a low opinion of me? No earthlings have a low opinion of me? No offense to you. offense to you. offense to you. The Lord is at hand. The Lord is at hand. The Lord is at hand. So, what if the situation didn't work So, what if the situation didn't work So, what if the situation didn't work out for me? The wrong story got told. out for me? The wrong story got told. out for me? The wrong story got told. The wrong person got credit. The wrong The wrong person got credit. The wrong The wrong person got credit. The wrong person got rewarded. That's okay. The person got rewarded. That's okay. The person got rewarded. That's okay. The Lord is at hand. Lord is at hand. Lord is at hand. Sometimes God has to put an odious to Sometimes God has to put an odious to Sometimes God has to put an odious to your stinky your stinky your stinky to teach you this. So that you'll say, to teach you this. So that you'll say, to teach you this. So that you'll say, "Hey, my name is written in the Lamb's "Hey, my name is written in the Lamb's "Hey, my name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. He is for me. In him I got Book of Life. He is for me. In him I got Book of Life. He is for me. In him I got the absolute approval of the only one the absolute approval of the only one the absolute approval of the only one whose opinion really matters. The judge whose opinion really matters. The judge whose opinion really matters. The judge of all the earth is on my side. What of all the earth is on my side. What of all the earth is on my side. What more do I really need here?" more do I really need here?" more do I really need here?" The cure for bitterness, for acrimony, The cure for bitterness, for acrimony, The cure for bitterness, for acrimony, is embracing that an all-wise, is embracing that an all-wise, is embracing that an all-wise, all-loving judge is close at hand. One all-loving judge is close at hand. One all-loving judge is close at hand. One who has written your name in his book who has written your name in his book who has written your name in his book and he spelled it right. and he spelled it right. and he spelled it right. And his list is the only list that And his list is the only list that And his list is the only list that actually matters and he is working all actually matters and he is working all actually matters and he is working all things for your good. things for your good. things for your good. So, joy thief number one is amnesia. Joy So, joy thief number one is amnesia. Joy So, joy thief number one is amnesia. Joy thief number two is acrimony. Joy thief thief number two is acrimony. Joy thief thief number two is acrimony. Joy thief number three, guess what it starts with?

number three, guess what it starts with? number three, guess what it starts with? Letter A, anxiety. Letter A, anxiety. Letter A, anxiety. Anxiety steals joy because it fills you Anxiety steals joy because it fills you Anxiety steals joy because it fills you with fear about a future that you can't with fear about a future that you can't with fear about a future that you can't control. control. control. You know there is no way that you can You know there is no way that you can You know there is no way that you can know what might happen next and there's know what might happen next and there's know what might happen next and there's so much you can't control. so much you can't control. so much you can't control. I have a friend who I have a friend who I have a friend who describes his battle with anxiety describes his battle with anxiety describes his battle with anxiety as a low-grade hum as a low-grade hum as a low-grade hum that follows him wherever he goes. that follows him wherever he goes. that follows him wherever he goes. He says no matter what good is happening He says no matter what good is happening He says no matter what good is happening in my life, there's always a low-grade in my life, there's always a low-grade in my life, there's always a low-grade fear humming in the back of my head that fear humming in the back of my head that fear humming in the back of my head that the other shoe is about to drop. the other shoe is about to drop. the other shoe is about to drop. The phone's going to ring and it's going The phone's going to ring and it's going The phone's going to ring and it's going to bring bad news. to bring bad news. to bring bad news. Something's going to go wrong with one Something's going to go wrong with one Something's going to go wrong with one of the kids. of the kids. of the kids. There's bad news coming from work. I There's bad news coming from work. I There's bad news coming from work. I know when I go into work there's going know when I go into work there's going know when I go into work there's going to be bad news. Anybody ever Anybody to be bad news. Anybody ever Anybody to be bad news. Anybody ever Anybody ever feel this way? ever feel this way? ever feel this way? Like things are good today, Like things are good today, Like things are good today, I bet they're going to be bad tomorrow. I bet they're going to be bad tomorrow. I bet they're going to be bad tomorrow. Paul says verse 6, do not be anxious Paul says verse 6, do not be anxious Paul says verse 6, do not be anxious about about about anything. anything. anything. You know, this verse encourages me and You know, this verse encourages me and You know, this verse encourages me and shames me all at the same time. shames me all at the same time. shames me all at the same time. Don't be anxious about Don't be anxious about Don't be anxious about money things, material things because money things, material things because money things, material things because they only have temporary value, but your they only have temporary value, but your they only have temporary value, but your kids are different now. Your kids are kids are different now. Your kids are kids are different now. Your kids are eternal. They have eternal value. Is eternal. They have eternal value. Is eternal. They have eternal value. Is that what you can worry about them? Is that what you can worry about them? Is that what you can worry about them? Is that what it says?

that what it says? that what it says? No, don't be anxious about anything. No, don't be anxious about anything. No, don't be anxious about anything. There's literally nothing in my life There's literally nothing in my life There's literally nothing in my life that should cause me anxiety. that should cause me anxiety. that should cause me anxiety. By the way, get your mind around the By the way, get your mind around the By the way, get your mind around the fact fact fact that it's Paul who is saying this. Paul that it's Paul who is saying this. Paul that it's Paul who is saying this. Paul who goes to sleep every night not who goes to sleep every night not who goes to sleep every night not knowing if he's going to get woken up in knowing if he's going to get woken up in knowing if he's going to get woken up in the middle of the night by a hooded the middle of the night by a hooded the middle of the night by a hooded executioner coming to take him to be executioner coming to take him to be executioner coming to take him to be beheaded. beheaded. beheaded. How in the world are you supposed to get How in the world are you supposed to get How in the world are you supposed to get a good night's sleep if every night you a good night's sleep if every night you a good night's sleep if every night you go to bed not sure if the next face go to bed not sure if the next face go to bed not sure if the next face you're going to see is one under a hood you're going to see is one under a hood you're going to see is one under a hood who's taking you somewhere to chop off who's taking you somewhere to chop off who's taking you somewhere to chop off your head. I'm thinking that's going to your head. I'm thinking that's going to your head. I'm thinking that's going to mess up your aura ring score, am I mess up your aura ring score, am I mess up your aura ring score, am I right? right? right? By the way, Paul also has also told us By the way, Paul also has also told us By the way, Paul also has also told us he's deeply concerned about false he's deeply concerned about false he's deeply concerned about false teachers who were infiltrating the teachers who were infiltrating the teachers who were infiltrating the churches he's planted, corrupting their churches he's planted, corrupting their churches he's planted, corrupting their doctrine, and turning them against him. doctrine, and turning them against him. doctrine, and turning them against him. And now Paul is in prison hundreds of And now Paul is in prison hundreds of And now Paul is in prison hundreds of miles away and can't do anything about miles away and can't do anything about miles away and can't do anything about that. That feels to me like a legitimate that. That feels to me like a legitimate that. That feels to me like a legitimate thing to be worried about. thing to be worried about. thing to be worried about. And yet this is the one saying, "Don't And yet this is the one saying, "Don't And yet this is the one saying, "Don't be anxious about anything." be anxious about anything." be anxious about anything." You know what my favorite aspect of this You know what my favorite aspect of this You know what my favorite aspect of this verse is? verse is? verse is? It'll surprise you. It'll surprise you. It'll surprise you. My favorite aspect of this verse is that My favorite aspect of this verse is that My favorite aspect of this verse is that it is a command.

it is a command. it is a command. I'm literally commanded not to be I'm literally commanded not to be I'm literally commanded not to be anxious. This is not a reward. This is anxious. This is not a reward. This is anxious. This is not a reward. This is not some kind of achievement. This is a not some kind of achievement. This is a not some kind of achievement. This is a command. To be anxious about anything is command. To be anxious about anything is command. To be anxious about anything is to be disobedient. to be disobedient. to be disobedient. Here's why that's my favorite aspect of Here's why that's my favorite aspect of Here's why that's my favorite aspect of this verse. Follow me. this verse. Follow me. this verse. Follow me. The command only makes sense The command only makes sense The command only makes sense if it comes coupled with a promise that if it comes coupled with a promise that if it comes coupled with a promise that God will handle whatever it is that is God will handle whatever it is that is God will handle whatever it is that is making me anxious, right? making me anxious, right? making me anxious, right? Otherwise, the command would be cruel. Otherwise, the command would be cruel. Otherwise, the command would be cruel. I mean, think about it. If you and I are I mean, think about it. If you and I are I mean, think about it. If you and I are headed to lunch together, headed to lunch together, headed to lunch together, we're sitting in the car, we're sitting in the car, we're sitting in the car, and you look over at me and say, "Oh no, and you look over at me and say, "Oh no, and you look over at me and say, "Oh no, I don't have my wallet on me." I don't have my wallet on me." I don't have my wallet on me." And I'm like, "Where is it?" And you And I'm like, "Where is it?" And you And I'm like, "Where is it?" And you say, "I lost it in the lake." And I say, say, "I lost it in the lake." And I say, say, "I lost it in the lake." And I say, "Oh, happens to the best of us, okay? "Oh, happens to the best of us, okay? "Oh, happens to the best of us, okay? Don't worry about it." Don't worry about it." Don't worry about it." The only way that's not a cruel joke is The only way that's not a cruel joke is The only way that's not a cruel joke is if I plan to pay for lunch, right? if I plan to pay for lunch, right? if I plan to pay for lunch, right? I mean, if the bill comes, and I pay for I mean, if the bill comes, and I pay for I mean, if the bill comes, and I pay for my half, and then I look at you and say, my half, and then I look at you and say, my half, and then I look at you and say, "Well, this is awkward for you.

"Well, this is awkward for you. "Well, this is awkward for you. Guess you're going to have to work Guess you're going to have to work Guess you're going to have to work something out with the waiter or stay something out with the waiter or stay something out with the waiter or stay and do dishes or something." And you and do dishes or something." And you and do dishes or something." And you look at me and you say, "But you told me look at me and you say, "But you told me look at me and you say, "But you told me not to worry." And I say, "Oh, well, I not to worry." And I say, "Oh, well, I not to worry." And I say, "Oh, well, I didn't mean I was going to pay for didn't mean I was going to pay for didn't mean I was going to pay for things. I just wanted you to have a things. I just wanted you to have a things. I just wanted you to have a sense of peace and calm as we dine sense of peace and calm as we dine sense of peace and calm as we dine together." together." together." That would be a cruel joke. The only way That would be a cruel joke. The only way That would be a cruel joke. The only way it makes sense for God to say, "Don't be it makes sense for God to say, "Don't be it makes sense for God to say, "Don't be anxious about anything" is if he is anxious about anything" is if he is anxious about anything" is if he is thereby promising to handle anything thereby promising to handle anything thereby promising to handle anything that would make us anxious. that would make us anxious. that would make us anxious. So, Paul said, instead of being anxious, So, Paul said, instead of being anxious, So, Paul said, instead of being anxious, "in everything by prayer and "in everything by prayer and "in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let supplication, with thanksgiving, let supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." The your requests be made known to God." The your requests be made known to God." The key words in that sentence are the words key words in that sentence are the words key words in that sentence are the words with thanksgiving. Thanking God is a way with thanksgiving. Thanking God is a way with thanksgiving. Thanking God is a way of expressing trust that God is going to of expressing trust that God is going to of expressing trust that God is going to handle it. handle it. handle it. You see, it is impossible, hear this, it You see, it is impossible, hear this, it You see, it is impossible, hear this, it is impossible to thank God for something is impossible to thank God for something is impossible to thank God for something if you are not confident he is also if you are not confident he is also if you are not confident he is also going to handle it. going to handle it. going to handle it. It is possible to pray and worry. It is possible to pray and worry. It is possible to pray and worry. It is not possible to thank and worry.

See, I point this out See, I point this out because I used to have a real problem because I used to have a real problem because I used to have a real problem when I was praying. when I was praying. when I was praying. I would pray for stuff out of a sense of I would pray for stuff out of a sense of I would pray for stuff out of a sense of duty. duty. duty. Good Christians pray about their Good Christians pray about their Good Christians pray about their problems. problems. problems. But I wouldn't really put trust in God But I wouldn't really put trust in God But I wouldn't really put trust in God as I was praying. as I was praying. as I was praying. So, my prayer time was basically anxiety So, my prayer time was basically anxiety So, my prayer time was basically anxiety hour with Jesus. hour with Jesus. hour with Jesus. Or as a friend of mine calls it, Or as a friend of mine calls it, Or as a friend of mine calls it, worrying in the direction of the worrying in the direction of the worrying in the direction of the ceiling. ceiling. ceiling. I would tell Jesus all about my I would tell Jesus all about my I would tell Jesus all about my problems, problems, problems, but I did not trust him with them. but I did not trust him with them. but I did not trust him with them. The kind of prayer Paul is talking about The kind of prayer Paul is talking about The kind of prayer Paul is talking about here does more than inform God about our here does more than inform God about our here does more than inform God about our problems. problems. problems. It lays our problems at Jesus' feet and It lays our problems at Jesus' feet and It lays our problems at Jesus' feet and leaves them there. You thank him for the leaves them there. You thank him for the leaves them there. You thank him for the answer that you are confident that he answer that you are confident that he answer that you are confident that he will give. will give. will give. Let me make this super practical. Try Let me make this super practical. Try Let me make this super practical. Try this. When you pray, after telling Jesus this. When you pray, after telling Jesus this. When you pray, after telling Jesus what you're worried about, say this what you're worried about, say this what you're worried about, say this literally. I mean, somebody pull out literally. I mean, somebody pull out literally. I mean, somebody pull out your phone and take a picture of this. your phone and take a picture of this. your phone and take a picture of this. I trust you with this. I trust you with this. I trust you with this. Thank you for how you've promised to Thank you for how you've promised to Thank you for how you've promised to respond. Listen, it is not praying about your Listen, it is not praying about your problems that removes anxiety. It is problems that removes anxiety. It is problems that removes anxiety. It is trusting God with your problems that trusting God with your problems that trusting God with your problems that removes anxiety.

removes anxiety. removes anxiety. I I read this secular strategy for I I read this secular strategy for I I read this secular strategy for coping with anxiety. It was called the coping with anxiety. It was called the coping with anxiety. It was called the 15-minute strategy. You ever heard of 15-minute strategy. You ever heard of 15-minute strategy. You ever heard of this? this? this? Basically, what the strategy prescribes, Basically, what the strategy prescribes, Basically, what the strategy prescribes, and it's a pretty good strategy, and it's a pretty good strategy, and it's a pretty good strategy, set aside a special 15-minute block in set aside a special 15-minute block in set aside a special 15-minute block in the day the day the day during which you will allow yourself to during which you will allow yourself to during which you will allow yourself to worry about stuff. worry about stuff. worry about stuff. And then throughout the day, when you And then throughout the day, when you And then throughout the day, when you feel anxiety coming on, feel anxiety coming on, feel anxiety coming on, say to yourself, I'm not going to worry say to yourself, I'm not going to worry say to yourself, I'm not going to worry about that right now. about that right now. about that right now. But I'm going to spend some focused time But I'm going to spend some focused time But I'm going to spend some focused time worrying about that issue later in your worrying about that issue later in your worrying about that issue later in your special 15-minute block. special 15-minute block. special 15-minute block. That way, they say anxiety doesn't wreck That way, they say anxiety doesn't wreck That way, they say anxiety doesn't wreck your day, but you're also not blowing your day, but you're also not blowing your day, but you're also not blowing off your problems, either. off your problems, either. off your problems, either. It's a pretty good strategy. But here's It's a pretty good strategy. But here's It's a pretty good strategy. But here's the Christian version of it. the Christian version of it. the Christian version of it. Call that 15-minute period, call that Call that 15-minute period, call that Call that 15-minute period, call that your prayer time. your prayer time. your prayer time. For 15 minutes, worry out loud with For 15 minutes, worry out loud with For 15 minutes, worry out loud with Jesus about your problems. But then end Jesus about your problems. But then end Jesus about your problems. But then end that 15 minutes by saying, "And Jesus, I that 15 minutes by saying, "And Jesus, I that 15 minutes by saying, "And Jesus, I trust you with these things because you trust you with these things because you trust you with these things because you commanded me to cast these burdens onto commanded me to cast these burdens onto commanded me to cast these burdens onto you, and you commanded me not to worry you, and you commanded me not to worry you, and you commanded me not to worry about them. So, now I thank you for how about them. So, now I thank you for how about them. So, now I thank you for how you're going to handle them, cuz it you're going to handle them, cuz it you're going to handle them, cuz it would have been cruel for you to tell me would have been cruel for you to tell me would have been cruel for you to tell me not to be anxious if you weren't also not to be anxious if you weren't also not to be anxious if you weren't also promising to handle it."

promising to handle it." promising to handle it." He wouldn't give you the command if it He wouldn't give you the command if it He wouldn't give you the command if it wasn't coupled with an unbreakable wasn't coupled with an unbreakable wasn't coupled with an unbreakable promise that he'll handle whatever it is promise that he'll handle whatever it is promise that he'll handle whatever it is you're anxious about. I promise you, I you're anxious about. I promise you, I you're anxious about. I promise you, I promise you, if you do this, it will promise you, if you do this, it will promise you, if you do this, it will make a huge difference in your life. make a huge difference in your life. make a huge difference in your life. Look at verse 7. Paul says this, "And Look at verse 7. Paul says this, "And Look at verse 7. Paul says this, "And the peace of God, if you do this, which the peace of God, if you do this, which the peace of God, if you do this, which surpasses all understanding, will guard surpasses all understanding, will guard surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ your hearts and your minds in Christ your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." That word guard is a military Jesus." That word guard is a military Jesus." That word guard is a military word, and it's a really interesting word word, and it's a really interesting word word, and it's a really interesting word for Paul to use right there because when for Paul to use right there because when for Paul to use right there because when Paul was writing this, literally chained Paul was writing this, literally chained Paul was writing this, literally chained to him, there's a Roman guard standing to him, there's a Roman guard standing to him, there's a Roman guard standing over him, ready to punish him if he over him, ready to punish him if he over him, ready to punish him if he stepped out of line. So, Paul's trying stepped out of line. So, Paul's trying stepped out of line. So, Paul's trying to write this down, looks up at this one to write this down, looks up at this one to write this down, looks up at this one guard, and then thinks, "Bigger than guard, and then thinks, "Bigger than guard, and then thinks, "Bigger than that Roman guard is another guard, an that Roman guard is another guard, an that Roman guard is another guard, an all-powerful savior committed to my good all-powerful savior committed to my good all-powerful savior committed to my good who says he will never leave or forsake who says he will never leave or forsake who says he will never leave or forsake me, and that no weapon formed against me me, and that no weapon formed against me me, and that no weapon formed against me will prosper, and his chains are way will prosper, and his chains are way will prosper, and his chains are way bigger and more powerful than that Roman bigger and more powerful than that Roman bigger and more powerful than that Roman guard's chains are. So, that big, scary guard's chains are. So, that big, scary guard's chains are. So, that big, scary Roman guard can't do anything because of Roman guard can't do anything because of Roman guard can't do anything because of the even bigger, more powerful heavenly the even bigger, more powerful heavenly the even bigger, more powerful heavenly guard standing over him who is always on guard standing over him who is always on guard standing over him who is always on my side." Paul says, "Look, I don't know if Paul says, "Look, I don't know if tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow I'm going to get out of prison.

I'm going to get out of prison. I'm going to get out of prison. I hope I I am. I hope I I am. I hope I I am. I'm praying for that. I'm praying for that. I'm praying for that. What I do know What I do know What I do know is that tonight my heavenly guard over is that tonight my heavenly guard over is that tonight my heavenly guard over me. me. me. I know he never falls asleep. I know he never falls asleep. I know he never falls asleep. And this other soldier doesn't do And this other soldier doesn't do And this other soldier doesn't do anything without his approval. anything without his approval. anything without his approval. That brings us to Paul's last joy thief. That brings us to Paul's last joy thief. That brings us to Paul's last joy thief. Ennui, acrimony, anxiety. Guess what Ennui, acrimony, anxiety. Guess what Ennui, acrimony, anxiety. Guess what this last one starts with? this last one starts with? this last one starts with? Kind of a Y, kind of an A. Kind of a Y, kind of an A. Kind of a Y, kind of an A. Your algorithm. Your algorithm. Your algorithm. Finally, brothers. Finally, brothers. Finally, brothers. Whatever's true, whatever's honorable, Whatever's true, whatever's honorable, Whatever's true, whatever's honorable, whatever's just, whatever's pure, whatever's just, whatever's pure, whatever's just, whatever's pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is lovely, whatever is lovely, whatever's commendable, if there's any whatever's commendable, if there's any whatever's commendable, if there's any excellence, if there's anything worthy excellence, if there's anything worthy excellence, if there's anything worthy of praise, think about these things. of praise, think about these things. of praise, think about these things. Paul gives some surprisingly prescient Paul gives some surprisingly prescient Paul gives some surprisingly prescient advice. Way ahead of his time. advice. Way ahead of his time. advice. Way ahead of his time. The secret to inner joy, Paul says, The secret to inner joy, Paul says, The secret to inner joy, Paul says, is how you think. is how you think. is how you think. Oh. Oh. Oh. And how you think And how you think And how you think is not what you do in the moment of is not what you do in the moment of is not what you do in the moment of anxiety. Listen. anxiety. Listen. anxiety. Listen. How you think in a moment of anxiety is How you think in a moment of anxiety is How you think in a moment of anxiety is determined by patterns you lay down over determined by patterns you lay down over determined by patterns you lay down over a lifetime. Paul says, practice right a lifetime. Paul says, practice right a lifetime. Paul says, practice right thinking, and when you come to an a time thinking, and when you come to an a time thinking, and when you come to an a time of anxiety and stress, when you're in a of anxiety and stress, when you're in a of anxiety and stress, when you're in a prison cell, well then you'll just think prison cell, well then you'll just think prison cell, well then you'll just think the right way.

the right way. the right way. Medical scientists now know Medical scientists now know Medical scientists now know that when we repeatedly think a certain that when we repeatedly think a certain that when we repeatedly think a certain way, way, way, our brain literally hardwires itself to our brain literally hardwires itself to our brain literally hardwires itself to think that way. think that way. think that way. The nerve fibers responsible for a The nerve fibers responsible for a The nerve fibers responsible for a particular thought pattern get wrapped particular thought pattern get wrapped particular thought pattern get wrapped in a fatty insulating substance called in a fatty insulating substance called in a fatty insulating substance called myelin. myelin. myelin. Myelin allows future electrical signals Myelin allows future electrical signals Myelin allows future electrical signals to travel faster and more efficiently to travel faster and more efficiently to travel faster and more efficiently through certain synapses. It's where through certain synapses. It's where through certain synapses. It's where muscle memory comes from. muscle memory comes from. muscle memory comes from. It makes those patterns of thinking It makes those patterns of thinking It makes those patterns of thinking automatic. automatic. automatic. Think of it like a stream of water Think of it like a stream of water Think of it like a stream of water running across a field. Pour water out running across a field. Pour water out running across a field. Pour water out on a piece of dirt, and it will run in on a piece of dirt, and it will run in on a piece of dirt, and it will run in all directions. Do it long enough, all directions. Do it long enough, all directions. Do it long enough, however, and it will establish little however, and it will establish little however, and it will establish little ruts. ruts. ruts. And then after that, all future water And then after that, all future water And then after that, all future water follows those ruts, deepening them and follows those ruts, deepening them and follows those ruts, deepening them and strengthening them. strengthening them. strengthening them. The same thing is happening with your The same thing is happening with your The same thing is happening with your thoughts, Paul says. thoughts, Paul says. thoughts, Paul says. A repeated pattern of thinking creates a A repeated pattern of thinking creates a A repeated pattern of thinking creates a mental rut wrapped in a very literal mental rut wrapped in a very literal mental rut wrapped in a very literal myelin that future thoughts naturally myelin that future thoughts naturally myelin that future thoughts naturally follow." And Paul wrote this in a day follow." And Paul wrote this in a day follow." And Paul wrote this in a day before he knew what myelin was, and he before he knew what myelin was, and he before he knew what myelin was, and he wrote this in a day before social media.

wrote this in a day before social media. wrote this in a day before social media. Paul had no idea, no idea that one day Paul had no idea, no idea that one day Paul had no idea, no idea that one day there would be a literal trillion-dollar there would be a literal trillion-dollar there would be a literal trillion-dollar industry devoted to creating negative industry devoted to creating negative industry devoted to creating negative myelin ruts in your head. myelin ruts in your head. myelin ruts in your head. People who monetize social media People who monetize social media People who monetize social media platforms put negative things in front platforms put negative things in front platforms put negative things in front of us because they know we are more of us because they know we are more of us because they know we are more likely to click on things that are likely to click on things that are likely to click on things that are upsetting than we are things that are upsetting than we are things that are upsetting than we are things that are uplifting. uplifting. uplifting. Every time you click like, Every time you click like, Every time you click like, it creates an algorithm for a digital it creates an algorithm for a digital it creates an algorithm for a digital pathway, pathway, pathway, which in turn reinforces a neural which in turn reinforces a neural which in turn reinforces a neural pathway. pathway. pathway. It puts another small layer of myelin It puts another small layer of myelin It puts another small layer of myelin there. there. there. Every time you click like, I want you to Every time you click like, I want you to Every time you click like, I want you to think, "I just added some myelin to some think, "I just added some myelin to some think, "I just added some myelin to some part of my brain." part of my brain." part of my brain." I need you to let this sit heavily upon I need you to let this sit heavily upon I need you to let this sit heavily upon you, especially you parents with kids. you, especially you parents with kids. you, especially you parents with kids. You and I and our kids are being You and I and our kids are being You and I and our kids are being discipled several hours a day by discipled several hours a day by discipled several hours a day by algorithms that are the complete algorithms that are the complete algorithms that are the complete opposite of Philippians 4:8. opposite of Philippians 4:8. opposite of Philippians 4:8. Researchers have been studying anxiety Researchers have been studying anxiety Researchers have been studying anxiety levels in America, you know this.

levels in America, you know this. levels in America, you know this. They've been studying this for decades. And anxiety levels skyrocketed in 2012 And anxiety levels skyrocketed in 2012 when social media and smartphones became when social media and smartphones became when social media and smartphones became ubiquitous. ubiquitous. ubiquitous. It's like Pastor Kyle says, It's like Pastor Kyle says, It's like Pastor Kyle says, "We scroll through 45 minutes of bad "We scroll through 45 minutes of bad "We scroll through 45 minutes of bad news, political arguments, and clips of news, political arguments, and clips of news, political arguments, and clips of strangers screaming at each other in the strangers screaming at each other in the strangers screaming at each other in the Costco parking lot, Costco parking lot, Costco parking lot, then we close the app, and later we then we close the app, and later we then we close the app, and later we think, 'Why do I feel so anxious?' think, 'Why do I feel so anxious?' think, 'Why do I feel so anxious?' It's like eating gas station sushi, he It's like eating gas station sushi, he It's like eating gas station sushi, he says, every day, and then wondering why says, every day, and then wondering why says, every day, and then wondering why your stomach feels weird." your stomach feels weird." your stomach feels weird." You want to change your happiness You want to change your happiness You want to change your happiness quotient? You want to change your quotient? You want to change your quotient? You want to change your default speed on the hedonic treadmill? default speed on the hedonic treadmill? default speed on the hedonic treadmill? Change your algorithm. Change your algorithm. Change your algorithm. Make your first thoughts every morning Make your first thoughts every morning Make your first thoughts every morning Jesus' thoughts. Jesus' thoughts. Jesus' thoughts. Do not open that phone until you have Do not open that phone until you have Do not open that phone until you have opened his word. opened his word. opened his word. Right? Read his word, fill your mind. Right? Read his word, fill your mind. Right? Read his word, fill your mind. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Fill your mind with his promises. >> Fill your mind with his promises. >> Fill your mind with his promises. And if you can't develop that as a And if you can't develop that as a And if you can't develop that as a habit, throw your phone in the bottom of habit, throw your phone in the bottom of habit, throw your phone in the bottom of the lake. It's remarkably easy, okay?

Use our daily revival app on your phone Use our daily revival app on your phone if you have one. It's a great way to if you have one. It's a great way to if you have one. It's a great way to get in the word every day. Listen to get in the word every day. Listen to get in the word every day. Listen to Christian music throughout the day. Put Christian music throughout the day. Put Christian music throughout the day. Put verses up around your room. Put them in verses up around your room. Put them in verses up around your room. Put them in your workplace. your workplace. your workplace. Memorize verses so they're always Memorize verses so they're always Memorize verses so they're always dancing about in your head. Change your dancing about in your head. Change your dancing about in your head. Change your algorithm. algorithm. algorithm. And you'll change your baseline And you'll change your baseline And you'll change your baseline happiness quotient. happiness quotient. happiness quotient. In this passage, In this passage, In this passage, Paul is not encouraging some glib, Paul is not encouraging some glib, Paul is not encouraging some glib, shallow, optimistic, power of positive shallow, optimistic, power of positive shallow, optimistic, power of positive thinking type of happiness life hack. thinking type of happiness life hack. thinking type of happiness life hack. Now, the joy Paul espouses here in Now, the joy Paul espouses here in Now, the joy Paul espouses here in Philippians 4 is a defiant declaration Philippians 4 is a defiant declaration Philippians 4 is a defiant declaration in the face of pain. in the face of pain. in the face of pain. Kind of joy Paul commends here Kind of joy Paul commends here Kind of joy Paul commends here doesn't pretend your pain isn't real. doesn't pretend your pain isn't real. doesn't pretend your pain isn't real. It declares your pain isn't final. It declares your pain isn't final. It declares your pain isn't final. I've quoted Pastor Kyle I've quoted Pastor Kyle I've quoted Pastor Kyle several times in this message. Let me several times in this message. Let me several times in this message. Let me close with a story that he tells. close with a story that he tells. close with a story that he tells. Recently, he says, I Recently, he says, I Recently, he says, I sat with a woman whose 54-year-old sat with a woman whose 54-year-old sat with a woman whose 54-year-old husband husband husband had been diagnosed with early-onset had been diagnosed with early-onset had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia.

dementia. dementia. 54. 54. 54. They'd been busily planning They'd been busily planning They'd been busily planning their empty nest years their empty nest years their empty nest years to be full of travel, grandchildren, and to be full of travel, grandchildren, and to be full of travel, grandchildren, and just growing old together. just growing old together. just growing old together. Until one doctor's appointment upended Until one doctor's appointment upended Until one doctor's appointment upended everything. As she sat in front of me, she was As she sat in front of me, she was grieving, scared, and angry. grieving, scared, and angry. grieving, scared, and angry. But underneath the grief was a defiant But underneath the grief was a defiant But underneath the grief was a defiant spirit of joy. Later she texted me, spirit of joy. Later she texted me, spirit of joy. Later she texted me, "Pastor, I've decided something. I'm "Pastor, I've decided something. I'm "Pastor, I've decided something. I'm going to enjoy every day I have with going to enjoy every day I have with going to enjoy every day I have with him. him. him. Every single day. Every single day. Every single day. I'm not going to spend the time I have I'm not going to spend the time I have I'm not going to spend the time I have left dreading what is coming. I'm going left dreading what is coming. I'm going left dreading what is coming. I'm going to be present. I'm going to laugh with to be present. I'm going to laugh with to be present. I'm going to laugh with him while he can still laugh. I'm going him while he can still laugh. I'm going him while he can still laugh. I'm going to dance with him in the kitchen. I'm to dance with him in the kitchen. I'm to dance with him in the kitchen. I'm going to thank God for every good going to thank God for every good going to thank God for every good moment, even more so because I know moment, even more so because I know moment, even more so because I know these moments are numbered." these moments are numbered." these moments are numbered." >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> See, she knows that because of Jesus, >> See, she knows that because of Jesus, >> See, she knows that because of Jesus, dementia may be able to steal her dementia may be able to steal her dementia may be able to steal her husband's memory, but it cannot steal husband's memory, but it cannot steal husband's memory, but it cannot steal her joy. her joy. her joy. Her joy is a defiant declaration in the Her joy is a defiant declaration in the Her joy is a defiant declaration in the face of pain. It's not a denial of pain.

face of pain. It's not a denial of pain. face of pain. It's not a denial of pain. It's a declaration in the face of pain. It's a declaration in the face of pain. It's a declaration in the face of pain. The secret to joy is that it's not found The secret to joy is that it's not found The secret to joy is that it's not found in your circumstances. in your circumstances. in your circumstances. The secret to joy is that it's not an it The secret to joy is that it's not an it The secret to joy is that it's not an it you can find. It is a who who found you. you can find. It is a who who found you. you can find. It is a who who found you. And unlike everything else in your life, And unlike everything else in your life, And unlike everything else in your life, that who will never walk away from you. that who will never walk away from you. that who will never walk away from you. Happiness comes and goes with your Happiness comes and goes with your Happiness comes and goes with your circumstances, but Jesus won't. Jesus is circumstances, but Jesus won't. Jesus is circumstances, but Jesus won't. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. the same yesterday, today, and forever. the same yesterday, today, and forever. He doesn't leave when life falls apart. He doesn't leave when life falls apart. He doesn't leave when life falls apart. He doesn't pack his bags when the He doesn't pack his bags when the He doesn't pack his bags when the diagnosis comes back negative. He diagnosis comes back negative. He diagnosis comes back negative. He doesn't disappear when the marriage is doesn't disappear when the marriage is doesn't disappear when the marriage is strained or the future is uncertain. strained or the future is uncertain. strained or the future is uncertain. Paul wrote these defiant words from a Paul wrote these defiant words from a Paul wrote these defiant words from a prison cell facing death. Some of you prison cell facing death. Some of you prison cell facing death. Some of you are going to listen to them in a are going to listen to them in a are going to listen to them in a hospital waiting room. Or a lawyer's office. Or a lawyer's office. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Or an empty bedroom. >> Or an empty bedroom. >> Or an empty bedroom. After a child is gone. Or in a cubicle where you feel Or in a cubicle where you feel overlooked and forgotten. overlooked and forgotten. overlooked and forgotten. If that's where you are today, If that's where you are today, If that's where you are today, I want to invite you to practice I want to invite you to practice I want to invite you to practice Philippians 4 defiant joy.

Philippians 4 defiant joy. Philippians 4 defiant joy. Joy not because your circumstances are Joy not because your circumstances are Joy not because your circumstances are good. good. good. Joy not because you think they'll be Joy not because you think they'll be Joy not because you think they'll be good tomorrow, but joy because your good tomorrow, but joy because your good tomorrow, but joy because your savior always is good every single day, savior always is good every single day, savior always is good every single day, every minute of every day. every minute of every day. every minute of every day. I want you to look your circumstances in I want you to look your circumstances in I want you to look your circumstances in the eye this weekend and I want you to the eye this weekend and I want you to the eye this weekend and I want you to say, "Hey circumstances, you don't get say, "Hey circumstances, you don't get say, "Hey circumstances, you don't get the last word. the last word. the last word. My circumstances don't determine God's My circumstances don't determine God's My circumstances don't determine God's character. My diagnosis does not define character. My diagnosis does not define character. My diagnosis does not define my future. my future. my future. My marriage might be unraveling, but My marriage might be unraveling, but My marriage might be unraveling, but God's faithfulness is not. My anxiety is God's faithfulness is not. My anxiety is God's faithfulness is not. My anxiety is loud, oh but my Lord's promises are loud, oh but my Lord's promises are loud, oh but my Lord's promises are louder. My grief is deep, but it's not louder. My grief is deep, but it's not louder. My grief is deep, but it's not forever. forever. forever. My world may feel like it's shaky, but My world may feel like it's shaky, but My world may feel like it's shaky, but my my savior is solid. my my savior is solid. my my savior is solid. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Yeah, there might be a Roman soldier >> Yeah, there might be a Roman soldier >> Yeah, there might be a Roman soldier inches away from you breathing out inches away from you breathing out inches away from you breathing out threats, but there's a heavenly guard threats, but there's a heavenly guard threats, but there's a heavenly guard standing over him with an even bigger standing over him with an even bigger standing over him with an even bigger chain chain chain promising nothing can separate you from promising nothing can separate you from promising nothing can separate you from my love and whatever your enemy intends my love and whatever your enemy intends my love and whatever your enemy intends for evil, I'm going to overturn it for for evil, I'm going to overturn it for for evil, I'm going to overturn it for good. good. good. Joy is not pretending everything is Joy is not pretending everything is Joy is not pretending everything is okay. Joy is knowing that even when okay. Joy is knowing that even when okay. Joy is knowing that even when everything isn't okay, Jesus always is.

everything isn't okay, Jesus always is. everything isn't okay, Jesus always is. Joy, it turns out, Joy, it turns out, Joy, it turns out, isn't an it you obtain. isn't an it you obtain. isn't an it you obtain. Joy is a who who obtains you. Joy is a who who obtains you. Joy is a who who obtains you. I can do all things I can do all things I can do all things through Christ through Christ through Christ who strengthens me. So I'm at church at all of our campuses, So I'm at church at all of our campuses, I want to invite you to stand to your I want to invite you to stand to your I want to invite you to stand to your feet. feet. feet. Our worship teams are coming. Our worship teams are coming. Our worship teams are coming. We're going to sing a song together at We're going to sing a song together at We're going to sing a song together at all campuses all campuses all campuses declaring our hope in Jesus. declaring our hope in Jesus. declaring our hope in Jesus. And we're going to open up these altars And we're going to open up these altars And we're going to open up these altars like we often do. like we often do. like we often do. Cuz I need I know that some of you need Cuz I need I know that some of you need Cuz I need I know that some of you need to come down here to come down here to come down here >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and you needed to ask Jesus for the >> and you needed to ask Jesus for the >> and you needed to ask Jesus for the strength strength strength >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> to have defiant hope. I'm going to invite our prayer team I'm going to invite our prayer team leaders and leaders and leaders and counselors, counselors, counselors, elders, wives, I'm going to invite them elders, wives, I'm going to invite them elders, wives, I'm going to invite them to be on the sides. Maybe you want to to be on the sides. Maybe you want to to be on the sides. Maybe you want to pray with somebody. They're always pray with somebody. They're always pray with somebody. They're always there. there. there. If you want to pray on your own, you can If you want to pray on your own, you can If you want to pray on your own, you can do this.

do this. do this. By the way, maybe you've never begun a By the way, maybe you've never begun a By the way, maybe you've never begun a relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. You can do that today. You can do that today. You can do that today. Just take the hand of one of these Just take the hand of one of these Just take the hand of one of these prayer team members at the side and tell prayer team members at the side and tell prayer team members at the side and tell them you want to give your life to Jesus them you want to give your life to Jesus them you want to give your life to Jesus and they'll know what to do. and they'll know what to do. and they'll know what to do. As our worship teams come, As our worship teams come, As our worship teams come, I want to invite some of you to come. I want to invite some of you to come. I want to invite some of you to come. Of course, you can pray at your seat. Of Of course, you can pray at your seat. Of Of course, you can pray at your seat. Of course, of course. course, of course. course, of course. But some of you need to come and find But some of you need to come and find But some of you need to come and find relief from your anxiety in Jesus and relief from your anxiety in Jesus and relief from your anxiety in Jesus and this needs to be a little bit of a this needs to be a little bit of a this needs to be a little bit of a defiant action. Jesus, I need help. I defiant action. Jesus, I need help. I defiant action. Jesus, I need help. I need you to help me to need you to help me to need you to help me to trust in you and see things the way you trust in you and see things the way you trust in you and see things the way you see them. see them. see them. I'm going to let you to come down here I'm going to let you to come down here I'm going to let you to come down here and ask for the ability to practice and ask for the ability to practice and ask for the ability to practice defiant joy. defiant joy. defiant joy. Father, I pray Father, I pray Father, I pray Holy Spirit, have your way. [music] have your way. [music] I know you look at us sometimes and you I know you look at us sometimes and you I know you look at us sometimes and you think, "Why do they make it so hard on think, "Why do they make it so hard on think, "Why do they make it so hard on themselves?" themselves?" themselves?" You say to many right now through me, You say to many right now through me, You say to many right now through me, "Come unto me all you who labor and are "Come unto me all you who labor and are "Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." heavy laden and I will give you rest." heavy laden and I will give you rest." Let many find the rest right now in this Let many find the rest right now in this Let many find the rest right now in this moment at this altar, moment at this altar, moment at this altar, at the feet of your word. I pray in at the feet of your word. I pray in at the feet of your word. I pray in Jesus' name.

Jesus' name. Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. As our worship teams In Jesus' name. As our worship teams In Jesus' name. As our worship teams come, you come. You respond at all of come, you come. You respond at all of come, you come. You respond at all of our campuses our campuses our campuses >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> as the Holy Spirit moves in your heart.