Count It All Joy

Introduction

In light of what we have just experienced as a community- take time- talk about- how we respond

to difficulties, trials, disasters, loss, in our lives.

A number of people- in congregation- experienced difficulties or loss at one level or another.

Testimonies

I would like to give us a chance to share how the Lord helped you through tropical storm Fay.

We certainly can begin with Thanksgiving and Praise.

How do we respond to difficulties in our lives

Mtt 24:4-8

End time verse- not saying Fay was an end time event.

Difficulties do seem to be on the increase.

1Pe 4:12-13

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. NASU

How do we respond when difficulties come our way?

What is the foundation on which- base our response?

Psa 23:1

Shepherd- One who tends a flock of sheep.

From- sheep’s perspective- Shepherd is the one who-

makes sure they have food to eat-

he leads them to good pasture

provides protection from wild animals

tends to their every need

Therefore the sheep can say ...

I shall not want NASU

I have all that I need NLT

I don’t need a thing MSG

I shall not lack AMP

It speaks to me of the sovereignness of God.

Psa 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.

Jesus exercised control over the weather, raised the dead, healed the sick.

Is He God of everything or not?

Does He rule over every aspect of Creation, including myself, circumstances, natural disasters?

If that is true, then regardless of the situation or circumstances I face ...

I shall not want NASU

I have all that I need NLT

I don’t need a thing MSG

I shall not lack AMP

Therefore I can ...

2 Thess 2:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. NLT

v2-3a

When I think of green pastures and quiet waters …

I think of the Georgia Mountains or

the mountains in NC-

beautiful mountain meadows, streams and water falls.

It is in places like this that we can indeed find a quietness and peace.

However, I think that what is being said here is that in the worse of external circumstances,

we can find God’s peace internally.

Even in the middle of great outward turmoil, God can and will “restore my soul.”

V3b

This speaks to me of God taking me down the roads in life that He has ordained for me.

Those roads are not necessarily designed for my personal comfort, but “for His name’s sake.”

Ps 23:3 He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. NLT

I am not here to fulfill my dreams and goals in life.

I am here to fulfill God’s purposes for my life in such a was as to bring honor to Him.

In that process I believe God will give me the desires of my heart, as He brings my desires

into alignment with His desires.

Psa 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord;

And He will give you the desires of your heart.

I like the way the Message Bible says it …

Ps 37:4 Keep company with God, get in on the best. MSG

V4a

When the Psalmist speaks of death, he certainly could mean physical death.

As we approach the end of our lives, He will be ready to receive us into His Kingdom.

Death is indeed a shadow because it is simply the doorway into eternity for a believer.

1 Cor 15:55 " O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR A VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" NASU

Through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, death no longer has a hold on us.

However, I think death here is more than just physical death.

As God works in our lives to refine/conform us to His likeness …

He will cause us to face areas in our own hearts that are more attached to the things of

this life than to Him.

He wants to be first in our hearts in every area.

Water damage during tropical storm Fay

V4b

A shepherds staff was used by the shepherd to prod the sheep into moving in the right direction.

They could also be used to defend off wild animals that would want to do harm to the sheep.

I can take comfort when the Lord uses His rod/staff in my life to prod me into going in the right direction.