· What is the most joyous place on earth?
· Dallas Willard – Joy is not a passing sensation of pleasure, but a pervasive sense of well-being that is infused with hope because of the goodness of God.
· The most joyous place on earth is in you.
· You can choose joy.
· I do not know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow.
· Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!
· Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice.
· Galatians 5:22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy …
· Joy is a spiritual discipline
· Hebrews 11:25 - … sin brings pleasure for a season.
· God help joy spring up in me.
· Psalm 30:5 – Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
· …in the Lord…
· …Always…
· In Jesus I know my life is not my circumstances.
· Habakkuk 3:17-18 - 17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior
· I will say it again, Rejoice!
· PIX: Bethany Hamilton
· She's asking herself, 'How can I show the world I still have a life, that I enjoy my life, and that my life is filled with joy?' She has an underlying trust that God is taking care of her."
· Know that when you are living in His truth and Jesus’ promises of life, peace, and salvation through what
He did for you on the cross, your story is exactly what it should be.
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Starter: Who is the most joyous person you know? Why are they so joyous?
Discussion:
1. Read Philippians 4:4
2. Draw a circle. The circle represents your life. Now draw a slice that represents joy in your life. Share with the
group. Why did you draw your circle like that? What fills in the rest of the circle.
3. What spiritual practices might help you to choose joy more often?
4. What life practices are keeping you from joy?
5. Read Psalm 30:5
6. What does this Psalm say to you about sorrow and joy?
7. What might help you remember that morning is coming when you are weeping in the night?
