God's Prescription For Healthy Relationships Pt 2

3 Keys To Building Joy In Our Relationships

Happiness is about "feeling good"- it's dependent upon what happens and is based on...
Circumstances
External
Chance

Joy is in dependent of what happens - it's a "positive confidence" in God and based on...
Christ
Internal
Choice

Three Joy Killers

Joy Killer #1 Selfishness (James 3:16, 4:1-2)

Joy Killer #2 Resentment (Hebrews 12:15, Proverbs 11:29)

Joy Killer #3 Fear (Proverbs 12:25; 15:15, 1 John 4:18)

In relationships fear makes us...
defensive
distant
demanding

Three Joy Builders

1. Focus on giving rather than receiving (John 3:16, Philipians 2:3-4, Acts 20:35)

2. Focus on healing rather than hurting (Colossians 3:13)
Stop rehearsing and start releasing the pain and hurt (Romans 5:3-4)

3. Focus on God's power rather than our problems (Psalms 62:8)

Why Can I Be Joyful In Spite Of Circumstances?

Because God is with me (Isaiah 43:2-3)
Because God has a plan for me (Psalms 50:15, Jeremiah 29:11)
Because God will help me (Psalm 43:5)