In our world, there is so much sorrow, misery, and sadness.

We see indicators all around us that reveal to us that most people are looking for something,

anything, that can bring them true joy. In this study on joy,

Scott Pauley will take us to God's Word and help us discover the source of true, lasting joy.

And as we study the Bible together, we will find that God's joy is readily available to us

through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The full disclosure, today's text is my life verse.

Several years ago, I changed my life verse.

I'm not sure if you're supposed to do that or not,

but I did. I came to a juncture in my journey with the Lord that I really believed this was the

verse I wanted to make, at the very least, my second half verse, the verse that was the guiding

principle of my life. And it really articulates what God has done in my own heart.

It is really the essence of our emphasis on enjoying the journey.

It is Paul's words to the Ephesian elders on his way to the finish line himself.

In Acts chapter 20 in verse number 24, he said, but none of these things move me.

Now, let me pause a moment before I read the rest of the verse and point out that he was facing

bonds and affliction, imprisonment, martyrdom.

You remember in our last study we talked about the joy in the midst of the persecution?

Well, he's experiencing it.

Remember, all that live godly in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

So he's experiencing it, but he says,

...