EP 303 – Fighting for Joy with Mark Hallock
Mark Hallock was gracious enough to jump on the phone with me to record this call, but don’t sleep on this episode – it is worth the listen for sure. Mark and I talk about JOY.
The first prayer a struggling church should ask is for the joy of their salvation. Joy, a fruit of the Spirit, is attractive and contagious, and can be a catalyst for renewal. Churches should focus on joyful submission to the Holy Spirit and sacrificial obedience to the Word of God, as these, combined with the presence of God’s people, can lead to a movement of God.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and is essential for a church’s growth and attractiveness. To fight for joy, believers should joyfully submit to God’s word, practice gratitude, and intentionally seek God’s presence through worship, prayer, and reflection. This joy, rooted in God’s character and promises, will overflow and attract others to the church.
Fighting for joy involves spending unhurried time with God, repenting of known sin, and surrounding oneself with joyful people. Joy can be contagious and positively impact both individuals and churches. Practicing thankfulness and not taking oneself too seriously are also important in cultivating joy.
