INTRO:
Let’s be honest with one another… joy can be really difficult. For some of us joy is a little easier. But for others of us, especially if you’re dealing with a tragedy, loneliness, mental health, and the list goes on, joy can be unbearably frustrating to even think about. I’ve been on both sides of joy, it coming easily and it being nearly impossible to feel or find.
I want to tell you a story, so bear with me. When my wife Caroline and I dated, we were long distance. It was horrible. We were only able to see one another every two weeks or so, and not for very long. Once we got engaged this got WAY worse. Wanting to be together but being so far away and wanting our wedding to just be here already, there was so much frustration and heartache around the distance. It was easier for us to fight, feel disconnected, and be anxious about the future because we weren’t together. BUT our wedding day was coming, and in that truth, there was tremendous joy. That one day soon we wouldn’t be separated. In not too terribly long, we would never be long distance again. We would remember that our wedding day was coming, and even in the pain of that moment we would find SO MUCH joy. I think this is what finding joy is like: knowing what is coming, even if in the moment things are difficult.
The truth about joy is this: it is not the same as happiness. I think this is the root issue for those of us who struggle with joy. It isn’t what we think it is. True joy surpasses circumstance and is only found in the hope of what the Lord has promised and who He is… and the wedding day that is coming. This is confusing and maybe a little frustrating, so let’s read some about it. My prayer for you is that you discover and experience joy in this process!
MONDAY
Scripture: Isaiah 61:10
What does it mean that you are clothed in righteousness?
You are saved. Your God loves you! Is this something you can easily find joy in?
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TUESDAY
Scripture: Jeremiah 15:16
How often do you spend time in God’s Word? Is this a regular habit for you?
Does knowing that you can actually find joy in His word make you want to spend more time there?
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WEDNESDAY
Scripture: James 1:2-5
When you think about the idea of suffering, do you think there is joy to be found there at all?
When you read that you can actually find joy in suffering, how does this make you feel? Why?
Have you found joy in suffering before? (Working out, studying hard, etc)
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THURSDAY
Scripture: 3 John 1:3-4
Have you ever taken joy in watching a friend walk closely and faithfully with the Lord? Why or why not?
Can you think of anyone you have seen walking faithfully that brings you joy? If so, I want to encourage you to reach out and tell them! It can be so encouraging to share your joy by giving it to others.
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FRIDAY
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-12
The week of Rush is going to be difficult. Spend some time in prayer that you may find joy is watching the Lord move!
Your week of Rush may be easy and filled with amazing stories or it may be difficult and feel disappointing. Remember that this labor of ministry is sharing in the suffering of Christ! Even if there is not joy in the moment, remember that one day you will share in the Joy when all things are made new!