The Key to Joy and Peace

Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.

There are so many of us today who are struggling with this heaviness. It just weighs us down.

So many problems...so much pain

We fight it, and then we give in to it. We lose hope. We lose contentment. All that Christian contentment doesn't feel like it's real for some of us.

For those who are going through the problem of a heavy heart right now, I pray that you would feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the Word. Let it wash over you. Fuel you, salve your pain and comfort your fears. May it give you clarity in the midst of the chaos that's in your mind.

Our mindsets affect us

For some of us, our perspective is causing us to struggle with a heavy heart. Our perspective is messed up, because, we get so focused on our problems, or on our past. We get so focused on our sin and on other people and what they've done to us that we miss Christ. As the writer to the Hebrews told us, to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith.

What promises do you turn to in your struggles?

Some of us struggle with the problem of a heavy heart and the perspective of a heavy heart. But what we need to hear are the precious promises for those that are heavy in heart.

• God will never leave us and never forsake us
• God is our light and salvation
• God is worthy of our trust
• God offers us precious promises for our fear
• God forgives and justifies us in Christ
• God is the lover of our souls and His love is never-ending
• God is faithful in spite of our faithlessness
• God is our peace

We need to hear them, not just as words on a page but as truths we can believe.

God's prescriptions for your heavy heart

For the prescription for our souls, we need to fight for our joy. The Father is not just going to give it to us. We must fight for it. We have been given the power of the Holy Spirit, as well as His Word. The Lord has given us the church, but He has called us to fight. Paul said at the end of his life, "I fought the good fight. I finished the course. I've kept the faith."
Message Outline

• Problem of a Heavy Heart
• Perspective of a Heavy Heart
• Promises to a Heavy Heart
• Prescriptions for a Heavy Heart.

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About James and Lessons for Life

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation.

Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

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ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
Links
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