Joy vs. Despair

18/01/2026 29 min
 Joy vs. Despair

Listen " Joy vs. Despair"

Episode Synopsis

 Virtue & VicesWhat do you do when life just keeps getting harder? In Joy vs. Despair, we’re spending time in 2 Corinthians 4, where Paul writes from the middle of pressure, loss, and weariness.He’s honest about how hard things are, but he refuses to let despair call the shots. We’ll learn why despair doesn’t get the final word, and why God is still at work, even here.The goal isn’t to pretend things are fine or force a smile. We’ll focus on the quiet work God is still doing in us, even when circumstances don’t change.Series: Virtues & VicesSpeaker: Jeremy NortonScripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7–18Timstamps00:00 - Some mornings, you wake up, and you dread the day ahead05:41 - Paul writes this letter from the middle of pressure, loss, and weariness10:13 - We can learn from Paul that despair may come10:44 - Now, experiencing despair after a crisis is to be expected14:59 - And this brings us back to our text and Paul’s situation19:56 - Despair, like any vice, has its foundation in sin23:22 - So, the invitation today isn’t to deny pain or force joy25:51 - From now on, whenever Despair says, “This is the end,” let Jesus remind you, “God is still at work”26:15 - Prayer26:56 - Updates28:12 - Discussion and Prayer Focus29:03 - Come back next week#jesus #jesuschrist #joy #despair #virtues #vices #mountainviewchurchSupport the show