Week Two: Joy
Day One:
Kylie Voight
Week 2 is going to be all about joy. Being joyful can be so hard in such a down-and-dark world. It is a choice that we must make daily.
So what is joy?
Rick Warren, a famous author and evangelist, defines joy as “the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.” I want you to notice that there is no mention of life going easy. There is no mention of abundance. There is no mention of happiness.
James tells us to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)
This verse shows that joy is possible, and even encouraged, during hard circumstances. Although it may be hard, it will be worth it in the end when you stand face to face with Jesus and He gives you a warm smile and says, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
I challenge you to consciously choose joy every single day this week. Ask God to give you the joy He has. Shine the light of the Lord into the world through the joy that is in you.
Praying that you have a blessed week, friends!
So what is joy?
Rick Warren, a famous author and evangelist, defines joy as “the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.” I want you to notice that there is no mention of life going easy. There is no mention of abundance. There is no mention of happiness.
James tells us to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)
This verse shows that joy is possible, and even encouraged, during hard circumstances. Although it may be hard, it will be worth it in the end when you stand face to face with Jesus and He gives you a warm smile and says, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
I challenge you to consciously choose joy every single day this week. Ask God to give you the joy He has. Shine the light of the Lord into the world through the joy that is in you.
Praying that you have a blessed week, friends!
Day Two:
Allison Holsclaw
Joy: “the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.” (Rick Warren)
The Bible mentions joy in many ways but with the intention of peacemaking and finding joy through Christ alone! Focusing on God when experiencing a difficult time makes it easier to feel joy in those circumstances.
Despite all the temporary places to find joy, the best way to experience true joy is through Christ alone.
In Hebrews, it says: "Looking to Jesus Christ, the founder, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
“… who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” Jesus looked past the awful reality of the cross to enjoy the joy following it. The joy of everlasting life and happiness through Christ. He understood all the good that would come from the horror. He understood that we would be rescued and redeemed following his crucifixion.
Friends, knowing that God knew after all the agonizing pain, it would all be worth it in the end because He would be able to have a relationship with his creation again. That is a joy we need to rest in. Jesus took that cross up for our joy and he took it up with love. We need to find joy alone in Christ!
The Bible mentions joy in many ways but with the intention of peacemaking and finding joy through Christ alone! Focusing on God when experiencing a difficult time makes it easier to feel joy in those circumstances.
Despite all the temporary places to find joy, the best way to experience true joy is through Christ alone.
In Hebrews, it says: "Looking to Jesus Christ, the founder, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
“… who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” Jesus looked past the awful reality of the cross to enjoy the joy following it. The joy of everlasting life and happiness through Christ. He understood all the good that would come from the horror. He understood that we would be rescued and redeemed following his crucifixion.
Friends, knowing that God knew after all the agonizing pain, it would all be worth it in the end because He would be able to have a relationship with his creation again. That is a joy we need to rest in. Jesus took that cross up for our joy and he took it up with love. We need to find joy alone in Christ!
Day Three:
Jenna Voight
We are called to have joy! James 1:2 says ““Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” God wants us to feel joy and loves to see his children full of joy.
Now what is joy? Joy is feeling grateful, thankful and blessed. Joy is an emotion, but just because it is an emotion does not mean it can’t be controlled.
It’s easy to feel joy when God answers your prayers and things are going your way. But God says that you are to feel joy at all times, even when you are struggling and not getting your prayers answered.
God does not expect us to feel great all the time, he just wants us to be joyful at all times! God wants the best for you and if you trust in him, he will give you endless joy!
Now what is joy? Joy is feeling grateful, thankful and blessed. Joy is an emotion, but just because it is an emotion does not mean it can’t be controlled.
It’s easy to feel joy when God answers your prayers and things are going your way. But God says that you are to feel joy at all times, even when you are struggling and not getting your prayers answered.
God does not expect us to feel great all the time, he just wants us to be joyful at all times! God wants the best for you and if you trust in him, he will give you endless joy!
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