The document discusses the importance of joy in the Christian faith. It notes that both the Old and New Testaments focus on joy and discuss several Bible verses related to joy. It also argues that true joy comes from God, not circumstances, and encourages readers to fill themselves with the Holy Spirit to experience God's joy despite troubles. The document suggests surrounding oneself with God-honoring music, spending time in prayer, and serving others as ways to access the joy given by God.

2. The Word of God focuses heavily on Joy! Gal. 5:22; Ps. 16:11 The New Testament is as focused on Joy as the Old Testament. 1 Thes. 5:16; Rom. 12:12; Phil. 4:4 “ If there is no joy in your religion, you’ve got a leak in your faith” Billy Sunday

3. Some say they have no joy because they have no reason to be joyful. All bad things There’s a problem with that approach to life. If everything has to be perfect for you to have joy, you’ll never experience it. Jesus promised you will have troubles Jn. 16:33

4. God’s joy in your life will make you happy, but the pursuit of happiness will not always bring you joy. Worldly happiness is caused by our circumstances. God’s kind of joy does not depend upon your present situation… It can exist despite our circumstances. Phil. 4:11-13

5. God doesn’t want us to be under our circumstances. 1 Jn. 5:4; Jn. 8:36 God tells us to rejoice even when it doesn’t seem to make sense to some. Jas. 1:2-4; 1 Pet. 4:12-13 God says take control of your life by rejoicing! Acts 16:22-24, 25

6. God’s kind of joy is not an emotion that happens to you. God’s joy is a tool for you to use to take control of your life. Neh. 8:10 How can I lay hold of the Joy of the Lord? We need to lay hold of the source of God’s joy! The fruit of the Spirit is JOY Gal. 5:22

7. Be filled with the Spirit! Eph. 5:18 How? Surround yourself with music that glorifies God and He will give you His joy! Eph. 5:19 Spend a great deal of time in prayer thanking God for what He’s done and He will give you His joy! Eph. 5:20 Find a way to serve others and God will give you His joy! Eph. 5:21

8. Come to Jesus today and you can begin experiencing the joy of the Lord! Rom. 10:17; Acts 2:38; 8:37