The Truth is ...
...Happiness comes from the world around me
... Joy originates directly from the Spirit of the Living God.

Therefore ...
... Happiness is conditioned by and often dependent upon what is “happening” to me.
... Joy is a divine dimension of living that is not based on circumstances.

We Can Choose To Be Positive

Philippians 4:8. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things."

1. Unpleasant Circumstances

Philippians 1:12 "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel."

2. Unreasonable People

Philippians 1:15 he says, "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy & rivalry, but others out of good will." What Paul is saying is this, "There are some people who are envious of me, who see themselves as rivals, competitors in preaching the gospel."

3. Uncertain Future

Philippians 1:19 "I know that through your prayers & the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance."

So how is Paul  able to rejoice in the midst of his circumstances?

1. Paul have learned the difference between temporal and eternal

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "Therefore we don’t lose heart. Though outwardly we waste away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Our light & momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal"

2. Paul Have Learned To Be Content

Philippians 4:10-12 “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

3. Paul Learned To Be Thankful In All Circumstances

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

The Challenge

• Being Positive is a choice
• Joy is a choice
• Every day we are face with the choice of being joyful or grumpy
• We are face with choice to allow Satan to steal our joy or not
• It’s in your hands, what is your choice?

Paul have clearly chosen to be joyful

King David challenged us to declare and choose.

Psalm 118: 24 ”This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”