How Do I Stop Rooting My Joy in My Circumstances?

Ask Pastor John
Episode: 1681
Transcript: www.desiringgod.org/interview...

[@veteranredbeard6222]

The more I get into the word, the more I find myself treating life like it is a bus stop, waiting for the bus (Christ's return) and the only thing to do is tell people around me about how great the ride will be.

[@themorpheusproject]

this world is not my home… I’m just passing through.

[@davidKeever]

Amen bro! Nice beard btw 😊

[@TheFinalRevelation]

Love this comment. Its just like pastor J Vernon Mcgee's though the Bible on the Bible bus

[@greatgeneralrenpa1327]

Hallelujah. God bless you

[@christinesavedbygrace8680]

Wow, what an Awesome way of saying that!!🙋

[@elmyrvl]

I repeated this podcast countless time. This is a great wisdom from a 75-year-old not only for that 14-year-old but for me as a 27-years-old.

[@girlnotoftheworld2008]

Likewise to this 37 year old.

[@lancealfaro2638]

As a 20 y.o, it is nice to know that there are people who strive for His purposes. May God move in our generation 🙏.

[@kittylover4974]

100%! I'm 25 and I work close to campus ministry. It's encouraging to see younger folks rising up and making their future plans with Christ at the center!

[@qw2ps4]

@@kittylover4974 Hebrews 10:28 says if anyone disregards Moses law, he dies without mercy..... We need to repent of thinking Gods ways were fulfilled so we don't have too. Or we only have to follow the 10 as this scripture doesnt say only the 10.

[@sofiabravo1994]

I’m 27 next week God willing! Actually just recently I’ve been having trouble finding joy again and this was God’s way of telling me!

[@hasnainrasool2645]

Man’s chief end is to glorify God BY enjoying Him. -John Piper

[@nickolasdavis4]

At age 24 this was good. I’m thankful for this teaching.

[@FanofAslan]

I am reminded of a hymn line from my childhood: "All good gifts around us are sent from Heaven above/Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, for all His love."

[@Tyreemorris68]

I love that he advises a 14yr old to keep the reality of death regularly in their mind - many teach that death is sad and should be avoided & the gospel should be about positivity but Pastor puts death as a necessary reality and plan in God’s salvation for us and doesnt shun the reality there are uncomfortable parts in the Gospel. God blessed this man immensely

[@HearGodsWord]

I'd suggest the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism as a starting point "What is the chief end of man? Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." The enjoy him forever part comes from Psalm 73:24-26 and from John 17:22, 24.

[@reesewitherfork6142]

14, wow! How insightful of her at this age. Outstanding little lady of God, beautiful! God is absolutely at work

[@Celtics20]

Woah, I seriously just thought of this.. and this video was recommended to me just now, the title of this video is a great way of wording it. I thought, “what if the only reason I’m happy and satisfied in God right now is because things are going good for me? What if things change? Will I still have the same joy?” Thank you Pastor John. Jesus depending happiness is what we need to stand on. The rock foundation!

[@jakestefano4118]

She has growing wisdom for thinking of such a thing at her age.

[@jewishbride5010]

Father God, praise you for strengthening our heart and mind and keeping us sane under all circumstances! In accordance with this word and philippians 4:11, romans 5:3, 2 corinthians 1:8, 2 corinthians 6:14-18 I bind to hell one's mood being negative affected by the circumstances one is in in my life, the lives of my family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, acquitances, opponents and the body of Christ, binding to hell being unequally yoked and having any common share with those who are negative affected by the circumstances in one's life, in the name and blood of Jesus Christ, amen and hallelujah ❤! Thank you God.

[@camillerobls]

Thank you so much, Pastor John! Last year, Coronavirus and Christ helped me find God’s purpose for my trouble. It was this quote by Martha Snell Nicholson that helped: “He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.” I had kept this close to me for a season the way I kept “afflictions eclipsed by glory” close to me. In my dark season where my faith persevered , I would remember Pastor John. Thank you! 🤍

[@trevorjennings8483]

Hello 👋

[@camillerobls]

@@trevorjennings8483 Hello 👋🏻

[@trevorjennings8483]

@@camillerobls if i May ask were are you from??

[@camillerobls]

@@trevorjennings8483 California, you?

[@trevorjennings8483]

@@camillerobls wow that’s a nice place you mentioned

[@Lavos243]

I once heard a Catholic Bishop, Bishop Robert Barron, explain it this way: "Love God, and love everything else for the sake of God."

[@hopefaithlove5165]

We're traveling through this world 🌎 this is not our home.

[@leliaberra8632]

Ohh see u there. At heaven

[@Juansings]

At 59. I am a witness of these Truths ! What a wise young lady . I pray Father, that You will use her mightily - for His glory ! and Father, I pray that You will continue to grant Pastor John Your Wisdom , anointing Him to teach and preach Your Word - that we may grow to desire You above all - in all ! “children keep yourselves from idols ...” I II III John ❤️✝️🕊⚓️

[@100calculated9]

Wow amazing 14 years old God Bless you Pastor♥️💯

[@deshaunhill7934]

Good Morning Jesus is King and God is Love😇🙏🏾✝️🛐❤️📖

[@deivymaybe7554]

''if you know Jesus personally, the day of your death will not be a day of just leaving things behind that you’re familiar with, but it will be a day of stepping into the presence of the one that we care about most.''

[@SplashMoney_Pster]

Boah John man you hit right at home with this one! When I say I needed this…I needed this!!!

[@mr_jchristian]

This is so empowering and liberating and delighting 🔥

[@girlnotoftheworld2008]

This is such a great question, and honest!

[@jordanpryor4771]

I needed to hear this!

[@_pingu00]

Let us strive for His purpose, when we fall let us stand up again and fight against the enemy bc he knows our weaknesses so be aware and recognize that weakness don't let satan use that to beat us up. instead turn it around and use that weakness to be a blessing to come to Christ again and again. Our perseverance will be rewarded in heaven thank you Jesus for dying in the cross to save us from eternal death thank you for this grace given to us.

[@the_zahra_twins]

Your wisdom never cease to amaze me Pastor John. May the Lord continue to use you.

[@StevenParima]

Oh my!!! How much wisdom have you bestowed on all of us rn?!! Thankyou to all involved!! To God be all the glory..!!

[@queenbrown17]

This was so good.

[@DaniDiesel654]

The only thing that brings true joy is the Word of God

[@cateybug123]

My life is definitely on the hard side right now. I’ve seen several videos like this with the message about seeking joy despite our circumstances popping up on my social media lately. I’ve been so bitter and angry at what’s happening. I know God is trying to teach me this lesson but I’m struggling to seek His help. Pride, anger. It’s hard to see past that.

[@fightthegoodfightoffaithmi8676]

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Isaiah 56:2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

[@rivurie4924]

thank u about this.

[@VYMQGSOH]

You can't root joy in a circumstance. They are using the word "joy" when it is actually "happiness." We get the word happiness from "happen," basically you get a positive emotion based on good circumstances. But joy is forever, no matter the circumstance. Whatever you're joyful about, noting would ever decrease it or make it go away no matter what comes your way through life. Joyfulness is even a much greater feeling of positivity than happiness. You must know something truly that matters to you forever that brought you joy that you'll always be grateful that even if your circumstances are extremely bad, that you're still joyful about certain things and that these bad circumstances haven't changed that. Nothing can separate us from Christ, and that's definitely something to be joyful and rejoice about no matter what we go through as Christians.

[@Lili-Benovent]

When can you root Joy?

[@VYMQGSOH]

@@Lili-Benovent joy can even be something an unbeliever has. Say that perhaps a woman had a baby before, and the child died at 10 years old, but even though her child is dead, she can have joy for cherishing the time she had with her child. But the joy that surpassing even all understanding with our God is much greater

[@Lili-Benovent]

@@VYMQGSOH Do you know where Joy lives?

[@Lili-Benovent]

@@VYMQGSOH Of course I can't root Joy but I can send her some customers.

[@kaimedinlungnewmai5875]

@b6h4h nice explanation

[@Loletha]

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@paulrivalto1974]

Happiness & JOY are two different animals. Happiness will always be based off of circumstance. Yet, Joy needs not good circumstances to be in one's life. Yet, JOY is born out of contentment and the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:11-13 that contentment is a learned thing. Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:6 this: But godliness when accompanied by contentment is a means of great gain. This great gain is JOY!

[@elisabethtrotter4564]

Jesus Christ went to the cross and now lives to set sinful you free from death and hell. Repent and turn your heart to Him before it’s too late. Say yes!

[@vico100]

Great!

[@angloaust1575]

Rather a obscure statement Can someone illuminate!

[@Mache003]

I understand from others the word despair here means the path is blocked or no way out. I picture Indiana Jones trying to get out of the situation where the spiked walls are closing in and he is trying to figure out how to solve the situation. I see from Dr. Piper and 2 Cor 1:8 that all we need to do is call out to Jesus for him to solve it for us. My mind blew when I considered that Jesus doesn’t just push a button to keep the walls from destroying us, but he takes our place and endures the wrath of the father that we deserve. Why do we keep trying to escape the situation when it’s the joy and glory of Jesus that God wants us to enter. What a God!!!

[@don-michealbell6303]

Paradigm shifting answer. Makes me think of 1 Corinthians 7:31

[@philippefoster2506]

🙏🏾❤️

[@JADiaz10]

Idk how it’s possible to overcome my circumstances. Hip hip hooray, Jesus died for me…. I’m still depressed. Now what? Living in the moment things are thought and I get it, we need patience but I’m only human. I know I’m not strong enough to do this by myself. I don’t have much more patience left in me to endure. Hope God forgives

[@itsamememario1213]

Hey bro, I’m sorry to hear that. I just prayed for you

[@Izthefaithful]

Please listen to John I promise what he’s saying is true. Through suffering he changed me and loved me and caused my hope to be in Him and not circumstances . He LOVES YOU BELIEVE HIM! Please believe God loves you

[@christinesavedbygrace8680]

I can be sad and crying, but still have true deep seated Joy in my heart. Is there anything strange about that?

[@drewsorbet]

Not at all! Because, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the contrite in spirit." (Psalm 34:18), and also, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle." (Psalm 56:8)

[@FedExMan822]

And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death, because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth.

[@Lili-Benovent]

Does he call his wife or girlfriend "his joy"?

[@eclipsos8187]

My top secret is remembering your ultimate circumstance. Your saved you fool. Christ loved you enough to die for you. He promises to stregthen you and sanctify you day by day even if its so small you dont recognize it. Of course the important part of this promise is praying for it day after day otherwise you stop looking at christ and look toward other things.

[@stephenmichaels6682]

Under our apostle paul’s ministry,today we are only saved by BELIEVING The Gospel of Jesus Christ,1st Corinthians Chapter 15 verse 1-4.Jesus Christ died on the cross,was buried,and rose again on the third day.Jesus Christ Shed Blood is what saves you when you believe this plan of salvation with your heart.

[@rogerwalters6443]

First: KNOW WHAT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES ARE this is a fallen creation and Jesus Himself says BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN And again it's written ALL OF CREATION GROANS AWAITING THE REVELATION OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD And again THIS BODY OF DEATH IS A PRISON and again WE ARE BEING LED AS SHEEP TO THE SLAUGHTER ALL DAY LONG. all meaning that WE REJOICE WITH A JOY THAT IS INEXPRESSIBLE We can not have joy as long as we are without Him and He has not come yet. BUT THERE ARE THOSE WHO SEEK TO TROUBLE YOU AND SAY HE HAS COME And He has come but once He has come to die for sin for the repentance of men and He has yet to return. And when He returns HE COMES ADORNED WITH THE MAJESTY OF GOD AND WITHOUT REFERENCE TO SIN and this is for THE PUNISHMENT OF SIN and for the REIGN OF GOD WITH MEN We weep and mourn and long for His coming First step into having joy is to realize there is no joy without Him and He is not here yet. Praise be to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ for my repentance and my new heart and for the word of God which breaks me and searches my inward parts so that I can have understanding. Please I pray I can properly divide and speak His word or even that His word is rightly spoken in spite of me. Amen.

[@jonicabice6234]

DONT END UP IN HELL!!!! There is not much time left... Trust in Jesus now as the finished payment for your sins. 1.you are a sinner (even 1 sin enough to condemn to hell). 2.you need a Saviour (from hell) 3. CHRIST paid by dying on cross 4.Simply believe and trust in Him and you will be saved. No works needed, no church needed, no words needed, nothing!!!! JUST TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST AS ATTONEMENT FOR YOUR SIN AND YOU WILL BE SAVED FROM ETERNITY OF TORMENT IN HELL

[@truth7416]

The old saying " The Devil made me do it!" Has been changed by Calvinists to "God made you do it!" That wonderful loving Calvinist teacher John Piper said it best. QUOTE: "God . . . brings about all things in accordance with his will. In other words, it isn’t just that God manages to turn the evil aspects of our world to good for those who love him; it is rather that he himself brings about these evil aspects for his glory (see Ex. @-16; John 9:3) and his people’s good "(see Heb. 12:3-11; James 1:2-4). "This includes-as incredible and as unacceptable as it may currently seem-God’s having even brought about the Nazis’ brutality at Birkenau and Auschwitz as well as the terrible killings of Dennis Rader and even the sexual abuse of a young child . . RAPE OF CHILDREN......BROUGHT NAZIS .... KILLINGS.... Really John Piper! This is your god that plans the rape of children? " If you call yourself a Calvinist you must stand proud behind these statements! Did you know that this is what Calvinism endorses as your loving god? If this is who you see as god, there is no hope for you! Your in a deadly Cult. TRUTH IN LOVE

[@TheCannonofMohammed]

John, there are people on your website that want me to quit calling you to repentance. I would LOVE to quit. I would love to just walk away from all your phoniness and disingenuity. But I cannot. As long as I can read where you think it is presumptuous for me to think that abortion is deadlier than Trump's pride I will stay. As long as you keep that article online, you are a continued cause for grievous offense in the pro-life community.