Pause and Reset talk June 2018 broadcasting

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of gratitude as a pathway to happiness, drawing from biblical teachings in Deuteronomy. They illustrate how festivals were designed to cultivate joy through gratitude, and apply this concept to modern life, suggesting that recognizing God's blessings can lead to a joyful disposition despite life's challenges. The speaker encourages taking time to appreciate the world's beauty and God's love, fostering a mindset that transforms daily life into a gift, enhancing relationships and personal well-being.

Takeaways

• 😀 Happiness is not an end goal but a byproduct of gratitude and appreciation for life's blessings.
• 📚 The speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible and understanding the expectations and desires of one's faith.
• 🎉 Ancient festivals were times for the Israelites to pause, reflect on blessings, and cultivate gratitude, leading to joy.
• 🛐 Joy was considered an act of worship and was expected to be a natural outcome of recognizing Jehovah's blessings.
• 🌱 Gratitude is presented as a powerful mindset that can heal, radiate hope, and nullify negativity, even in the face of suffering.
• 🌟 The speaker encourages taking time to appreciate the world's beauty and the goodness of God as a means to cultivate gratitude.
• 📖 Psalm 143:5 is cited as a reminder to remember and meditate on God's works, suggesting that this practice fosters happiness.
• 🌅 The uniqueness of each day and the wonders of creation are highlighted as daily reminders of God's love and a source of joy.
• 💖 Gratitude is described as a choice and a conscious decision to focus on blessings rather than curses.
• 🤝 A grateful spirit is said to inspire love, forgiveness, and thoughtfulness, contributing to a more joyful and meaningful life.
• 🌻 The speaker concludes by advocating for regular pauses and reflections to count blessings, promoting peace of mind and heart.

Q & A

What are the two things the speaker knows about the audience?

The speaker knows that the audience wants to serve Jehovah acceptably and that they want to be happy.

Why does the speaker say happiness can be tricky?

Happiness can be tricky because it is not dependent on things, circumstances, or even people. It is a byproduct of something else.

What does the speaker suggest is a byproduct of what one does?

The speaker suggests that true happiness is a byproduct of one's actions or mindset.

What does the speaker reference from Deuteronomy to support his point about happiness?

The speaker references Deuteronomy 16:15, where Jehovah commands the Israelites to celebrate a festival for seven days, resulting in them becoming nothing but joyful.

How does the speaker explain the effect of the festivals on the Israelites?

The festivals were a time for the Israelites to pause, reflect on the blessings they received from Jehovah, and thus feel gratitude, which led to happiness.

What does the speaker identify as the key to happiness according to the ancient example?

The key to happiness, according to the ancient example, is gratitude, which is a mindset and a choice.

How does the speaker connect the ancient example of festivals to modern life?

The speaker connects the ancient example by suggesting that modern individuals can also find happiness through gratitude, despite the hardships and uncertainties of life.

What does the speaker say about the power of gratitude?

Gratitude has the power to heal, radiate hope, nullify negativity, and make the joy of Jehovah a stronghold.

What does the speaker advise to cultivate gratitude and happiness?

The speaker advises to pause regularly, reflect on God's blessings, and appreciate the abundance and diversity of life.

How does the speaker describe the impact of gratitude on one's relationships and life?

Gratitude impacts every relationship, making one more loving, forgiving, and thoughtful, and it liberates from self-preoccupation, replacing a critical spirit with appreciation.

What does the speaker suggest as a practical step to increase gratitude?

The speaker suggests taking a walk outside, pausing to perceive, and counting the blessings received each day as a way to increase gratitude.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Gratitude and Joy in Worship

The speaker, Brother Jim, begins by addressing the audience on the subject of happiness and its relationship with worship. He highlights that happiness is not a goal but a byproduct of gratitude. He uses the example of the annual festivals in Deuteronomy, where Jehovah commanded the Israelites to celebrate and be joyful. The festivals were a time to pause, reflect on blessings, and cultivate gratitude, leading to happiness. Brother Jim emphasizes that gratitude is a mindset and a choice, and it can help us overcome hardships by reminding us of God's love and care.

05:01

🌟 Embracing Gratitude for Daily Joy

In the second paragraph, the speaker continues the theme of gratitude by referring to Psalm 143:5, where David, the psalmist, reflects on God's works. The speaker encourages the audience to take moments to 'pause' and appreciate the world around them, recognizing God's goodness and love. He suggests that by being mindful of the blessings in life, one can experience a sense of awe and wonder, which can alleviate anxiety and help accept life's uncertainties. Gratitude is portrayed as a powerful emotion that can transform one's outlook, fostering love, forgiveness, and thoughtfulness. The speaker concludes by advising the audience to regularly reflect on their blessings to maintain peace of mind and heart.

Keywords

💡Happiness

Happiness in the script is described as a complex state that is not solely dependent on external circumstances but is a byproduct of gratitude and a conscious mindset. It is central to the video's theme, emphasizing that true happiness stems from an appreciation of life's blessings and a connection with one's faith. The speaker uses examples of people who, despite facing challenges, radiate happiness due to their gratitude.

💡Gratitude

Gratitude is portrayed as a foundational element for happiness and a key to overcoming life's hardships. It is defined as a thankful appreciation for the good things in life, which can lead to a joyful state of mind. The script illustrates this through the story of the Israelites, who were commanded to celebrate festivals as acts of worship, fostering a sense of gratitude and joy.

💡Faith

Faith is the belief in a higher power or spiritual connection that provides guidance and support. In the context of the video, faith is linked to the teachings of Jehovah and the practice of worshipping through festivals, which is a way to cultivate gratitude and happiness. The script references Deuteronomy to highlight the importance of faith in achieving joy.

💡Pause and Reset

This concept refers to the act of taking a break from daily routines to reflect on life's blessings and refocus one's perspective. It is a metaphor for the practice of gratitude and is integral to the video's message. The speaker uses the phrase to encourage the audience to take time out to appreciate God's goodness, which can lead to happiness.

💡Joy

Joy is presented as a state of great pleasure and happiness, which is a direct outcome of gratitude and faith. The script explains that joy is not an option but an expected result of worshipping Jehovah, as seen in the command to 'become nothing but joyful' during the festivals mentioned in Deuteronomy.

💡Appreciation

Appreciation is the act of recognizing and being thankful for the good things one has received. It is closely related to gratitude and is a key component in achieving happiness. The script encourages the audience to appreciate the daily reminders of God's love and goodness, which can lead to a joyful and meaningful life.

💡Mindset

Mindset is the established set of attitudes held by an individual. In the video, it is discussed as a conscious decision to focus on blessings rather than curses, which is crucial for cultivating gratitude and happiness. The speaker emphasizes that a grateful mindset can transform one's perspective on life.

💡Psalm 143

Psalm 143 is a biblical reference used in the script to illustrate the practice of remembering and meditating on God's works as a way to cultivate a grateful heart. Verse 5, in particular, is cited to emphasize the importance of taking time to reflect on God's activity, which can lead to happiness.

💡Creation

Creation refers to the act of bringing something into existence, often associated with a divine power. In the script, it is used to describe the world and universe as God's handiwork, which serves as a source of inspiration and gratitude. The speaker encourages the audience to connect with God's creation to find joy and peace.

💡Blessings

Blessings are the good things that one perceives as gifts from a higher power. The script discusses the importance of recognizing and appreciating these blessings as a way to cultivate gratitude and happiness. The speaker advises the audience to count their blessings as a practice to enhance their joy.

💡Reflection

Reflection is the act of thinking deeply about something. In the context of the video, it is presented as a practice of contemplating God's works and the blessings in one's life. This act of reflection is encouraged as a means to foster gratitude and happiness, as it helps to shift focus from life's trials to its blessings.

Highlights

The importance of searching for happiness and the acknowledgment that happiness is not an end goal but a byproduct.

The challenge of finding happiness despite varying life circumstances and the realization that it is not dependent on external factors.

The significance of Deuteronomy 16 in understanding the connection between festivals, gratitude, and joy in the context of worship.

The idea that happiness is a byproduct of gratitude, as illustrated by the festivals of the Israelites.

The role of gratitude in fostering happiness, as opposed to happiness being an inherent state.

The concept of 'pausing and resetting' as a means to cultivate gratitude and happiness.

The impact of gratitude on one's mindset and the conscious decision to focus on blessings rather than curses.

The biblical reference to Psalm 143:5 as a guide to cultivating a grateful heart.

The practice of taking time to appreciate God's daily reminders of His goodness, power, and love.

The uniqueness of each day as a special gift from God, encouraging us to find joy in life's wonders.

The therapeutic effect of connecting with God's creation to alleviate anxiety and find peace.

Gratitude's role in transforming our perspective on life, from a test to a gift.

The influence of gratitude on personal relationships, enhancing love, forgiveness, and thoughtfulness.

The transformative power of gratitude in replacing a critical spirit with a sense of appreciation.

The practical advice to pause regularly and reflect on God's blessings to cope with life's trials and stresses.

The encouragement to disconnect from the digital world and immerse in the natural world to perceive blessings.

The final message that gratitude is the key to experiencing life as a gift and spreading joy through our interactions.

Transcripts

and so the first one is brother Jim

coffin and he's going to speak on the

subject pause and reset there are two

things that I know about you and two

things that you know about me the first

is we want to search you over and we

want to do so except ibly and the second

is we want to be happy wouldn't you

agree

now the to the first point there's not

much of a problem because you've had

five months of study now you've been

through the Bible you know what your

home expects what he wants and you're

prepared to do it but now as to the

second point that can be a little bit

more challenging and why do I say that

well happiness can be tricky we all know

people that by all standards should seem

to be happy but they're not on the other

hand we know people who face many many

difficult challenges every day but they

just seem to radiate happiness we

quickly realize that happiness is not

dependent on things on circumstances or

even on people why is that

it's because true happiness is not an

end goal it is a byproduct but a

byproduct of what well the answer to

that question lies back in time open

your bibles if you would to Deuteronomy

chapter 16 and here are discussing one

of the three annual festivals that

Jehovah required the Israelites to

attend in verse 15 he gave he gave these

words he said seven days you will

celebrate the festival to Jehovah your

God in the place that Jehovah chooses

for Jehovah our God will bless all your

produce and all that you do and you will

become nothing but joyful now did you

notice

his words there you will become nothing

but joyful you see being joyful in as a

worshipper of Jehovah was not an option

he actually made it an act of worship

but why it's because imperfect humans

can lose their appreciation for things

that become a routine part of life even

if these things are are a reflection of

Jehovah's loving concern so what was it

about these festivals who had caused all

who attended them to become nothing but

joyful each festival was to be a time

when the Israelites stopped what they

were doing in other words they would

pause they would go up to Jerusalem to

reflect on the blessings that they had

received from Jehovah and that they were

receiving in other words they would

reset what effect that this pause and

reset have on the Israelites one word

gratitude you know what happens when we

feel gratitude happiness always follows

you remembered your Hovis words you will

become nothing but joyful and Joe over

knows that happiness is a byproduct of

gratitude now how does this ancient

example help us today well life in this

old system is filled with hardships

ahead of you will be challenges

uncertainties time and unforeseen

occurrence and really that's true for

all of us

joven knows this but he also knows that

it is precisely during times of crisis

that we have the most to gain by having

a grateful perspective gratitude reminds

us that our Creator loves us and they

cares about us it reminds us that God's

goodness exists even in the worst that

life has to offer

gratitude doesn't cure suffering but it

has the power to heal

gratitude doesn't erase despair but it

has the power to radiate hope gratitude

nullifies negativity the joy of Jehovah

becomes our stronghold but it's up to us

because gratitude is more than just a

feeling

brothers and sisters it's a mindset

it's a disposition and it's choice why

do we say a choice it's because we can

make a conscious decision to see

blessings instead of curses job is

called the happy God and he gives us the

recipe to be happy too

that recipe is found in part in Psalm

143 let's turn there Psalm 143 verse 5

David the psalmist said this he said I

remember the days of old

I meditate on all your activity ie girli

ponder over the works of your hands

what's the point

the psalmist is basically telling us

that from time to time we have to stop

and press the pause button we need to

take time to look around Jehovah has

bejeweled our world with daily reminders

of His goodness his power but most of

all his love for us all we have to do is

take the time to look

we are immersed in the goodness of God

so pause from time to time take a moment

to appreciate what God is giving you

each day contemplate the abundance and

the diversity of life ponder muse

meditate and all the works of the true

God drink in the awesomeness of the

universe on the starry night no two

sunrises and no two sunsets are ever

exactly alike look up to the clouds what

you see is ever-changing

there's nothing exactly like it before

nor will there ever be again the feeling

you will experience is a refreshment of

the soul it is a reset eyes the only

light ears hear only sound but a

grateful heart perceives meaning we

perceive the Jehovah created all these

things as a gift for us that's right

each day was to be a very special gift

unique unto itself why to make endless

life not just special but amazing

wondrous and always a joy connecting

with Jehovah's creation helps to

discharge anxiety it shifts our

attention to something safe something

enduring something outside ourselves it

helps us to accept life's uncertainties

by reassuring us that we are part of

something larger something everlasting

something immensely important yes we are

a part of God's purpose gratitude is

important not only because it helps us

feel good but because it inspires us to

do good a grateful spirit will make you

more loving more forgiving or feeling

more thoughtful

thankfulness is a soil in which joy

thrives so open your hearts to the

blessings around you let gratefulness

flow from the inside out to others you

too will become nothing but joyful and

that joy will show in your smile in your

eyes and your touch and in your words

why because gratitude is the ability to

experience life not as a test but as a

gift it will impact every relationship

that you have your family your marriage

your work even your ministry you'll be

in a much better position to make a real

difference in the lives of others it

will liberate you from the prison of

self preoccupation and it will replace a

critical spirit with a sense of

appreciation so pause regularly to

reflect on what you hope has given you

give the digital world a break take a

walk outside and don't just look pause

and perceive try to count all the

blessings that you receive each day and

you will find it easier to cope with the

trials and the stresses of life we are

never more than one grateful thought

away from increased peace of mind and

greater peace of heart just remember

pause and reflect

[Applause]