We are OVERCOMING BLUE.
We are CONTROLLING RED.
We are going to LIVE on GREEN.
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Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT) - 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Psalm 126:1-3 (NLT) - 1 When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! 2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them." 3 Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy!
1. JOY is a MEDICINE.
Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) - 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.
We are commanded to be JOYFUL:
Philippians 4:4 (NLT) - 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!
1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NLT) - 16 Always be joyful.
Three ways to live in joy:
1. Look for laughter.
2. Anchor your thoughts.
- Anchor in victory.
- Joy in the Bible is based on the concept of victory
- We are told to rejoice in trials! We only rejoice in trials because we know the outcome.
- Anchor in gratitude.
- Gratitude for God's provision
- Psalm 4:7 (NLT) - 7 You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
3. Be intentional - Stop and smell the roses.
- Take walks, ride a bike
- Go to free local events
- Take classes or lessons
- Go sightseeing (Christmas lights are free!)
- Keep a gratitude journal
- Create a plan for your life
- Get out of your comfort zone
- Do nothing
2. SUPRISE is a LIFTER.
- Surprise is such a powerful emotion;
it is the ER emotion - HappiER, SaddER, MaddER.
- How to increase your chance of positive surprise:
- Believe more - John 11:40 (NLT) - 40 Jesus responded, "Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believe?"
- Step out more
- Risk more
- Adventure more
- Romance more
3. LOVE is the GREATEST.
- 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT) - 13 Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.
- Love is the most powerful positive emotion.
- Love is the emotion of connection.
- Love comes when we
- CONNECT
- COMMIT
- CONTRIBUTE
- The enemies of love are
- How to increase the emotion of love:
- Intentionally connect and share positive emotions.
- Intentionally receive sacrifice and give it.