In order for hope to be real, it must have an object.

Christian hope has as its object the person of Christ.

Embrace joy by grounding your HOPE in Christ. (vs. 14-16)

Your circumstances do not define your life; The presence of the overcoming Christ defines your past, present, and future.

COME

Stop looking for joy in temporary CIRCUMSTANCES and find it in the timeless Savior. (v. 16)

“There is a marvelous medicinal power in joy. Most medicines are distasteful; but this, which is the best of all medicines, is sweet to the taste, and comforting to the heart. This blessed joy is very contagious. One dolorous spirit brings a kind of plague into the house; one person who is wretched seems to stop all the birds from singing wherever he goes . . . [But] the grace of joy is contagious. Holy joy will oil the wheels of your life’s machinery. Holy joy will strengthen you for your daily labor. Holy joy will beautify you and give you an influence over the lives of others.” — Charles Spurgeon

Be prepared that the pathway to joy will sometimes require a journey through SORROW. (vs. 17-22)

Our joy in the present should be rooted in the promise of eternal joy and victory in Christ.

Celebrate the fact that true joy in Christ is IRREVOCABLE and continual. (vs. 23-24)

Two primary sources of joy in Christ:
a. Assured resurrection — He had victory and so will we
b. Answered prayer — He hears us from heaven

We can only cultivate true joy in Christ by rehearsing His promises daily.

THIS WEEK:
- Read Colossians 3 and highlight five lines that mean the most to me.
- List the circumstances where I am finding hope more than in Christ and choose to release these to the Lord.
- Tell a friend, in my own words, how Christ is my true source of joy.
- Invite someone to church next week that needs to hear a message about peace and how to deal with anxiety biblically.