Χαρά (Joy) Theory

Nehemiah 8:10b ESV for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Research shows that joyful people experience less chance of having a heart attack, lower cholesterol, decreased stress levels, stronger immune systems, fewer aches and pains, and longer lives.

Philippians 1:18 NIV But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

1st Joy comes when we remember God is at work in our lives

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

Philippians 1:6 NIV being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:13 NIV for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Psalm 37:23 NLT The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

2nd Joy comes when we believe God answers prayer

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

Acts 12:5 NIV So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

Mark 11:24 NIV Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

3rd Joy comes when we allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen us

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

Galatians 5:22-23 NLT The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Ephesians 3:16 NLT I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.

4th Joy comes when we trust that God will not disappoint us

Philippians 1:20 NIV I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Psalm 25:3 NIV No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame,

Isaiah 49:23 NIV “those who hope in me will not be disappointed."

5th Joy comes when we put Jesus first in our life

Philippians 1:21 NIV For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

6th Joy comes when we put others before ourselves

Philippians 1:22-26 NIV If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.