Part of our redemption begins when we start to find the source and foundation of our joy in God and His eternal pleasures. We are then released from the tyranny of circumstances which are ever in flux, relationships which are out of our control and even trials that begin to strengthen rather than break us.
Our Reach
Genesis 29:31-35
When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, “Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.” She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing.
Whether it be a career, a marriage or romantic relationship, children or wealth, we think that once we've obtained it, we'll truly be happy, satisfied, only to be disappointed time and again.
Our Reasons
We are tempted to get shaken from our joy when hopes are deferred.
Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Genesis 30:1-24 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!” Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” Then she said, “Here is my servant Bilhah; go in to her, so that she may give birth on my behalf, that even I may have children through her.” So she gave him her servant Bilhah as a wife, and Jacob went in to her. And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. Then Rachel said, “God has judged me, and has also heard my voice and given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan. Rachel's servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, “With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali. When Leah saw that she had ceased bearing children, she took her servant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. Then Leah's servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. And Leah said, “Good fortune has come!” so she called his name Gad. Leah's servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. And Leah said, “Happy am I! For women have called me happy.” So she called his name Asher. In the days of wheat harvest Reuben went and found mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son's mandrakes.” But she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son's mandrakes also?” Rachel said, “Then he may lie with you tonight in exchange for your son's mandrakes.” When Jacob came from the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must come in to me, for I have hired you with my son's mandrakes.” So he lay with her that night. And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. Leah said, “God has given me my wages because I gave my servant to my husband.” So she called his name Issachar. And Leah conceived again, and she bore Jacob a sixth son. Then Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons.” So she called his name Zebulun. Afterward she bore a daughter and called her name Dinah. Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. She conceived and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” And she called his name Joseph, saying, “May the Lord add to me another son!”
Reuben - means "See, a son" Simeon - sounds like the Hebrew for "heard" Levi - sounds like the Hebrew for "attached" Judah - sounds like the Hebrew for "praise" Dan - sounds like the Hebrew for "judged" Naphtali - sounds like the Hebrew for "wrestling" Gad - sounds like the Hebrew for "good fortune" Asher - sounds like the Hebrew for "happy" Issachar - sounds like the Hebrew for "wages" Zebulun - sounds like the Hebrew for "honor" (Dinah) - means "justice" Joseph - means "May he add, and sounds like the Hebrew for "taken away" (Benjamin)
God's desire is for character developed in the midst of our pursuits.
Our Rest
The joy of the Holy Spirit is unshakable, constant, replenishing and is built on the rock of God's character. This joy is founded upon the eternal truth of Christ's Word, gospel, kindness and forgiveness.
Psalm 62:1-12 For God alone my soul waits in silence;from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation,my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. How long will all of you attack a manto batter him,like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.They take pleasure in falsehood.They bless with their mouths,but inwardly they curse. Selah For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation,my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory;my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people;pour out your heart before him;God is a refuge for us. Selah Those of low estate are but a breath;those of high estate are a delusion;in the balances they go up;they are together lighter than a breath. Put no trust in extortion;set no vain hopes on robbery;if riches increase, set not your heart on them. Once God has spoken;twice have I heard this:that power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.For you will render to a man according to his work.
Cultivating that joy
Psalm 16:8-11 I have set the Lord always before me;because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
1) Set a distinct time and place that you'll meet with God daily. 2) Turn each hope to an eternal one.
Second City Church - Redemption Sermon Series 2016