SAFEGUARDS TO MAINTAIN JOY

Series: How to Make Lemonade- Part 3
SAFEGUARDS TO MAINTAIN JOY
Philippians 3:7-11

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Philippians 3:1 NIV

1. Make Sure You Are Heading In the Right Direction

Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. Philippians 3:2 NIV

Paul mentioned many traps that can keep you sidetracked.

Legalism and its cousin perfectionism.
Elitism and its cousin prestige.

Profit and its cousin selfishness.

Happiness that will last must be based on something that lasts and is real.

Jesus said, Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41- 42 NIV

Knowing and growing closer to Him daily is Priority One.

2. Close the Door on The Past

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

Noble Doss was a Texas football legend but couldn't forget one play, a dropped pass against Baylor in 1941.

Are thinking, "Come on, it was one play, one mistake. It's ancient history. Let it go." That's what I say to you.

Put your past out to pasture, let regrets and your resentments go. You cannot move forward as long as you’re looking backward.

3. Get with the In-Crowd

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. Philippians 3:17

Establish a circle of influencers who will inspire you to stay focused on moving in God’s direction.

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20

Focus on those whose lives are productive, fruitful and full of joy.

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalms 1:1-3

Pursue your personal friendship with Jesus above all else, and let Him fill your life with joy.