Listen to last week’s sermon Cultivating an Unbreakable Spirit of Joy found in Philippians 4:4

The sermon delivered by Pastor Eric last week at New Beginning Church in Rockland revolved around a profound theme: joy. Joy, particularly in tough times, is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep, sustaining force that believers can cultivate. The inspiration for this message comes from Philippians 4 and the life of the Apostle Paul, who exemplified joy amid suffering.

Pastor Eric began with a powerful illustration about a woman who called the church seeking a new beginning. She was not familiar with the church or its pastor, but the name “New Beginning Church” spoke to her need for a fresh start. This woman, originally from Guyana, faced numerous challenges. Her story is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of joy that can be cultivated even in the most trying circumstances.

The Inspiring Story of a Joyful Woman

The woman’s life was marked by adversity. She had devoted her life to her marriage, having married young and never completing high school because of her husband’s preference that she not work. After many years, her husband left her. Left with no education, no job, and no family nearby except for her son and daughter, she faced a mountain of challenges. To make matters worse, she became seriously ill and eventually passed away. Despite these hardships, what stood out about her was her unbreakable spirit of joy. This woman’s joy was not superficial; it was deeply rooted and unshakeable. She rarely spoke of her pain and suffering; instead, she focused on encouraging others. Her presence at prayer meetings was an inspiration to others as she radiated joy through her faith. Her life serves as a powerful illustration of the sermon’s central theme—cultivating joy in tough times.

Philippians 4: A Call to Rejoice

Pastor Eric drew from Philippians 4:1-4, where the Apostle Paul, in chains and under house arrest, writes to the Philippian church, urging them to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Paul’s circumstances were dire; he was watched over by Roman guards, his freedom stripped away. Yet, he continued his ministry through writing, exemplifying how joy can exist alongside suffering and hardship. The story of the woman from Guyana parallels Paul’s situation. She could have allowed her suffering to dominate her life, but like Paul, she chose to serve the Lord in her storm. This choice to embrace joy despite circumstances teaches us a vital lesson: true joy can coexist with adversity.

Joy: A Fruit of the Spirit

Pastor Eric emphasized that joy is a fruit of the Spirit, as stated in Galatians 5:22. It is not a product of our circumstances but a divine gift that comes from walking in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. However, Paul’s command to rejoice is not passive. It requires active participation. We are called to be intentional about rejoicing, to choose joy even when we do not feel like it. Henri Nouwen’s words resonate here:

Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.

This intentionality in joy is crucial—it is not left to chance but is actively cultivated.

The Source of Joy

The sermon highlighted that the source of our joy is critical. We are to rejoice in the Lord, not in the temporary or worldly circumstances that surround us. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is the foundation of our joy. This joy, rooted in the Lord, becomes our strength, as echoed in Nehemiah 8:10:

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Pastor Eric warned against joy robbers such as unforgiveness, guilt, shame, and condemnation. These can steal our joy if we are not vigilant. By leaving our burdens at the feet of Jesus and refusing to allow past failures to hinder us, we can maintain our joy.

Joy in the Kingdom of God

Joy is a fundamental aspect of God’s kingdom. Pastor Eric quoted Romans 14:17, which states,

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Joy is serious business in heaven,

as John Ortberg said, and should be evident in the lives of believers. To cultivate this joy, Pastor Eric provided a roadmap:

1. Christ-Centered Focus: By keeping Christ at the center of our lives, like Paul, we find our identity in Him rather than in our struggles. This focus on Jesus anchors us amid life’s storms.
2. Entering God’s Presence: Psalm 16:11 reminds us that in God’s presence, there is fullness of joy. Spending time in prayer and worship renews our joy and strengthens our spirits.
3. Serving Others: Acts 20:35 teaches that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Joy can be found in serving and giving to others, shifting our focus from ourselves to the needs of those around us.
4. Quieting Fear: Fear can be a barrier to joy. By trusting in God’s presence and sovereignty, we can overcome fear and experience His peace and joy.
5. Practicing Gratitude: An attitude of gratitude helps us focus on the blessings we have rather than what we lack, fostering a joyful spirit.

The Story of Horatio Spafford

The sermon concluded with the story of Horatio Spafford, who, after losing his four daughters in a tragic shipwreck, penned the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul.” His story is a powerful testament to the unbreakable spirit of joy that can exist even in the darkest times. Spafford’s ability to find peace and joy despite his immense loss encapsulates the sermon’s message—joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is a profound, sustaining force rooted in our relationship with God.

Watch sermon here: