Finding real joy.

The joy is in us. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit. The ability to understand and comprehend the person and work of Jesus.

The joy isn't 'I'll be rich!!'.

Our joy is, 'even if I'm poor, they can't take my treasure because His name is Jesus'.

The joy isn't 'I'm healthy!'

Our joy is, 'even if I'm sick, it's an opportunity to glorify God to be more like Jesus to suffer well.'

The joy isn't 'I haven't been betrayed!'

Our joy is, 'even if I have been betrayed, there is one who will keep us, God the Father, He will be there no matter what'.

It's a joy in all suffering, betrayal and when death comes, we can have a joy that glorifies God, that can be used to teach, encourage, transform others and to us as well. Not one minute of that joy is wasted. It can all be used so God can do something in us, and do something through us.

The prayer Jesus prayed at Gethsemane - a prayer that displayed perfect humility and obedience of God's will. Jesus was hours away from his death. He knew that this was his moment. "Father, the time has come, glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you". It was a time of betrayal, a time when death was coming. But it was an event that would be used so that the whole world can know the love and truth that is in God.

So in the same way, pray that you will suffer well. Amongst all trials and adversities that you may face, pray that the Spirit will bring you a deep and satisfying joy in the knowledge of the Gospel. And find deep joy in that your Father in heaven is with you, and whatever tribulation you face, it is all purposeful in glorifying God.

Too often we feel God owes us. We pray for something to happen and when it doesn't happen we blame God. If we have enough faith doesn't that mean..we don't have to live like Jesus? Jesus wasn't rich, always in good health, and he always had people who hated him. So how can we expect to have all these worldly expectations? Does God owe us a financially wealthy lifestyle and good health and great friends because we have faith in him? What are you praying for? That you wouldn't hit those dark painful moments like Jesus had to?

What will you do when your best friend betrays you? What will you do when your girlfriend/boyfriend cheats on you? What will you do when you fail that exam? What will you do when you don't get that job? What will you do when you are wronged against or suffering from illness? Shake your fist. And cry out. 'why?'

What will your functional god be? Perhaps you'll drink something? Smoke something so it will go away temporarily? Pop something that will make you lose yourself? Let me assure you, your time will come. The question is, when it does, how will you respond?

'Father...the time has come' Pray as Jesus prayed. 'Father let me continue to serve you.'

Praying like Jesus - Mark Driscoll