In the Dark

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Teaching Notes

TAKE JOY part 2

 

Joy is not a passing sensation

How do you take joy when it feels like life has knocked the joy out of you?

 

How can it be all right when everything is all wrong?

 

IN THE DARK of pleasure, but a pervasive sense of well-being that is infused with hope because of the goodness of God. 

- Dallas Willard

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

 

Stop  🡪  Start  🡪  Promise

 

Negative Command: 

 

Do not be anxious about anything…

 

What do we worry about?

 

  • KNOWLEDGE is insufficient
  • CIRCUMSTANCES outside of your control
  • FUTURE is uncertain
  • CONFLICT in relationships
  • REGRETS from the past

 

Anxiety is less than UNPRODUCTIVE, it is DESTRUCTIVE.

 

Good Concern vs. Destructive Anxiety

 

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.

Philippians 2:19-20

 

Positive Command:

 

but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, 

present your requests to God.

 

How do we pray to experience the peace of God?

 

Prayer – Turn your ATTENTION to God.

Petition – Bear your HEART before God.

Thanksgiving – Give THANKS to God.

Request – Bring your SPECIFIC needs to God.

 

If it’s big enough to WORRY about, it’s big enough to PRAY about.

 

The Promise:  

 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Peace: a state of well-being; the presence of wholeness, completeness, soundness; Shalom 

 

When darkness comes we can choose to suffer 

from SOMETHING or with SOMEONE.

 

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:2, 6

 

Summary: 

 

Prayer OVERPOWERS anxiety with the PRESENCES of God’s peace.