Sermons / Can we find joy beyond our circumstances?

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 5 that the Christian life is really about becoming more like Christ. As we learn to walk daily in dependence on Jesus, He produces the beautiful fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our lives. Of the nine qualities listed in the fruit of the Spirit, joy is one that seems to be hard to pin down. Joy is something that we all desire, but once we get it, many of us find it difficult to hold on to. Although we may find joy elusive, the Bible uses that word over 200 times! But there are only four events that are described as bringing “great joy.” Together, let’s see what brings great joy. And in the process, let’s see if we can discover where to find lasting joy, even when life pushes back and weighs us down.