Making Happy | Chains, Choose, Change.

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

#1: Chains – GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR MY PAIN.

 My chains, challenges are not without PURPOSE.

 This world is full of circumstances, challenges, chains, that seek to steal our joy and our freedom. It is part of the sin nature which we are subject to.

Acts 16:6-10

James 1:2-4

John 16:33

1 Peter 5:10

 They say hindsight is 20/20 – Can you recall a time that was difficult in the past that you now see some good has come out of?

#2: Choose – EVERY CHALLENGE HAS A CHOICE.

BUT neither are the challenges we face without CHOICE.

Even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances our God given right to choose persists – even if only in the thoughts we entertain. God gave us FREE WILL and that can’t be stripped from us.

Daniel 3:16-20

Daniel 6:10

Psalm 121

Philippians 4:4-9

What kinds of things help to lift you up, to lift your gaze? What kinds of things make you happy, bring you joy, give you hope?

MAKING HAPPY – 21 DAY CHALLENGE

• Do 1 thing each day for 21 days that focus your attention on God, that bring you joy or bring joy to someone around you (Examples: Pray, read your Bible, go for a walk, play a board game, write a letter, make a phone call, turn on worship music and dance!)

#3: Change – JESUS TRADES SORROW FOR SALVATION.

When I choose to fix your mind on Jesus, there will be CHANGE!

Focussing on God and His truths, His hope, lifting our eyes up off our circumstances and toward Jesus has the power to bring real change to not only our own lives but the lives of those around us.

Acts 16:25-28

What has you feeling bound today? Are you feeling overcome by anxiety, by depression, by fear, are your circumstances pressing in on you today? I URGE YOU TO TURN TO JESUS!