Intro

Magic Pill Illustration

I’m not sure how many of you follow the medical news, but the FDA recently approved a new medication that has a huge amount of benefits, it truly is a miracle drug. Look at these benefits:

• Reduces pain
• Reduces toxic emotions
• Improves sleep quality
• Improves relationships
• Reduces aggression
• Improves self-esteem
• Aids in stress regulation
• Reduces anxiety and depression
• ZERO side effects

Now how many of you think that might be the best thing ever? Well, what if I told you that these are ALL scientifically proven effects of gratitude.

Gratitude is something I talk about a lot, because it’s something I’m so passionate about. You can become grateful and your whole life can change in an instant. And that’s not self-help mumbo-jumbo, gratitude is a biblical principle. Not only is it good for you, having a heart of gratitude is obedience to God.

The sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart. Psalm 50:23a (CEV)

We’re concluding a series today called ‘How to Renew Your Mind’

In week 1 we talked about what it means to be led by the spirit

In week 2 we talked about adjusting your focus

In week 3 we talked about meditating on the word

In week 4 we talked about fighting lies with the truth

And this week as we close, we want to talk about “Rejoicing in the Lord”

Kind of a weird phrase isn’t it? Rejoicing in the Lord. Where do we get that? Well we get it from Philippians chapter 4 where Paul is in prison, in chains, and writing the happiest letter of his life. And in his concluding remarks, from prison, he says this:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

Now I think most everyone knows that that’s something we should be doing, but sometimes it’s difficult to know exactly HOW we’re supposed to be doing that.

So we’re gonna get SUPER practical this morning, and to help me, I’m going to invite my amazing wife, and our amazing Pastors up to the stage. Let’s welcome Marshall, Cindi, and Jordan.

3 Ways to Rejoice in the Lord

1. We Praise God For Who He Is

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. (Psalm 145:3)

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name. (Psalm 97:12)

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, (Psalm 107:8)

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High. (Psalm 7:17)

I will praise your name, LORD, for it is good. (Psalm 54:6b)

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 118:1)

How? By worshipping from the heart

Sing to the LORD with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp. (Psalm 147:7)

2. We thank God for what he has done

For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good. (Psalm 52:9)

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created, (Psalm 148:5)

that I may declare your praises in the gates of Daughter Zion, and there rejoice in your salvation. (Psalm 9:14)

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. (Psalm 118:21)

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. (Psalm 16:7)

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, (Colossians 2:13)

having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:14)

How? By Thanking God In Prayer

Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. (Psalm 105:1)

3. We Set Our Minds On His Promises

I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God. (Psalm 71:22a)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; (John 11:25)

and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b)

How? By Meditating on Scripture

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Closing

“> And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God. (Colossians 3:17)

Rejoice always, (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

pray continually, (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)