Series Details
Life is meant to be enjoyed, not merely endured.
We all believe it, but few of us live that truth day in and day out. For most of us, life is a rat race with very little downtime. And to make matters worse, life is often filled with heartache and disappointments and even unexpected trauma. In this special set—which includes messages as well as music—Chuck Swindoll reminds us that, regardless what comes into our lives, life can be enjoyed when we learn to celebrate and trust God.
Life is often a blend of seasons—some that call for exuberant celebration and others that require deep, quiet trust. In this series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores how to navigate these different rhythms by keeping our focus on the character of God. By looking at specific biblical moments of deliverance and the foundational truths of God’s sovereignty, these messages provide the tools to rejoice in the “sunshine” and rely on God in the “shadows.”
Message 1: Celebrate God
Sermon Overview Life is meant to be celebrated, not merely endured, and happiness is an all-important internal choice rather than a result of our exterior circumstances. Charles R. Swindoll turns to the book of Philippians, a letter overflowing with joy that was written by the Apostle Paul while he was under arrest and literally chained to a Roman guard. Rather than spiraling into denial or throwing a pity party over his uncertain future, Paul viewed his captivity as a captive audience, using it as a prime opportunity to share the gospel throughout Caesar’s Praetorian guard. Swindoll outlines four practical principles from Philippians 4 for celebrating God in our daily lives: let hope in God keep you gentle, let prayers to God displace your worries, let the peace of God settle you down, and let thoughts from God fill your mind.
Key Facts
- Happiness is a Choice: True joy should not fluctuate like a barometer based on unpredictable life circumstances or frustrating daily routines; it is a choice we make from the inside out.
- Joy in Chains: Despite his imprisonment, Paul was unmistakably happy because his circumstances were completely incidental compared to his internal focus on living for Christ.
- Displacing Worry: Worry and prayer cannot peacefully coexist; believers are commanded to worry about nothing and pray about everything, allowing the peace of God to guard their hearts.
- Filtering Thoughts: To live above circumstances and avoid grumbling, believers must intentionally filter their thoughts, meditating only on the best, not the worst—things that are true, honorable, pure, and lovely.
Scripture References
- Philippians 1:1–21
- Philippians 2:14
- Philippians 3:1
- Philippians 4:4–8
- Psalm 37:4
- Psalm 94:19
- Nehemiah 8:10
- 2 Corinthians 6:10
Message 2: Trust God
Sermon Overview Delivered on the 10th anniversary of the tragic September 11 attacks, this message provides a profound, sobering perspective on the depravity of humanity and the overarching sovereignty of God. While deeply honoring the victims and first responders of that horrific day, Swindoll reminds believers that personal ownership is temporary and that true security can only be found by trusting God. Drawing from the Old Testament, the message examines the life of David at Ziklag. After an exhausting three-day march, David and his 600 men returned to find their homes burned to the ground and their families taken captive by the Amalekites. Facing mutiny and the threat of stoning from his own grieving men, David refused to panic or run; instead, he “strengthened himself in the Lord his God”. Swindoll challenges believers to cultivate this deep reliance on God before disasters strike, choosing to lean entirely on His presence rather than on human understanding.
Key Facts
- Providence in Tragedy: While September 11, 2001, was a day of horrific, cowardly violence, an estimated 93% or more of those targeted in the attacks ultimately survived, demonstrating God’s sovereign restraint and protection.
- Temporary Ownership: Earthly possessions and safe circumstances can vanish in a moment, proving that our personal ownership is temporary and we must hold things loosely.
- The Anatomy of Trust: Trusting God requires believers to refuse self-reliance, stop manipulating situations to get their own way, and avoid taking charge without prayer.
- Strengthened in the Lord: When David lost his home, his family, and the loyalty of his men, he chose to trust God, a Hebrew concept that means to roll a heavy weight onto the Lord, confide in Him, and lean on Him completely.
- Preparation for the Storm: Believers must actively cultivate an intimate walk with God and abide in His shadow daily, long before severe testing and disaster arrive.
Scripture References
- Proverbs 3:5–6
- 1 Samuel 30:1–6
- Proverbs 16:7
- Psalm 91:1–2
