Church Culture - Joyful Hearts

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice! 
Philippians 4:4

When we choose to focus on the facts that God is sovereignly in control of the details of our current circumstances (Job 1:8, 12), His loving presence is with us in our trials (Ephesians 3:17-19; Daniel 3:24-25), and He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28) and His glory, this should bring us great joy.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.
James 1:2

The testing of our faith produces endurance and helps us to mature in the character of Christ.  God is training us to increase our impact in the lives of others in making and equipping disciples to do the will of God.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  James 1:17

Sometimes we can become focused on the negative and grow critical in our spirit.  This can lead to festering in our hearts and find its way through our words (Matthew 15:18).

Pray that God will guard our hearts and minds from this type of critical spirit.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 
Romans 15:13