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  I WILL JOY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION
  by A.B. Simpson
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Summary: The secret to joy is to rise by an act of faith and praise God
as an act of choice, despite our circumstances.

Topics: "Joy in Adversity", "The Sacrifice of Praise"
Scripture References: Habakkuk 3:18, Philippians 1:18, Philippians 4:4, James 1:2

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DESCRIPTION
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A.B. Simpson emphasizes that true joy is a choice made through faith
rather than a mere feeling. He encourages believers to rise above their
struggles and choose to praise God, even in the face of adversity, as
illustrated in scriptures like Philippians 4:4 and James 1:2. Simpson
highlights that joy often comes after a struggle with sadness, and that
offering praise can be a significant sacrifice, especially when one is
burdened by grudges or self-pity. By consciously deciding to rejoice in
the Lord, believers can break free from the chains of negativity and
embrace a life of joy. This act of faith leads to a deeper relationship
with God and a more fulfilling spiritual life.

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CONTENT
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The secret of joy is not to wait until you feel happy, but to rise, by
an act of faith, out of the depression which is dragging you down and
begin to praise God as an act of choice. This is the meaning of such
passages as these: Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice
(Philippians 4:4). I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice
(Philippians 1:18). Count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations (James 1:2). In all these cases there is an evident struggle
with sadness and then the triumphs of faith and praise. This is what is
meant-at least in part-by the sacrifice of praise.

A sacrifice is that which costs us something.

And when a man or woman has some cherished grudge or wrong and is
harboring it, nursing it, dwelling on it, and quite determined to enjoy
a miserable time in selfish grumbling, it costs us no little sacrifice
to throw off the morbid spell, to rise out of the mood of self-
commiseration in wholesome and holy determination and say, I will
rejoice in the Lord (Habakkuk 3:18); I will count it all joy (James
1:2).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/i-will-joy-in-the-god-of-my-salvation/
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