Show notes
Joy is an uncontrolled hope in the God who Is. Joy delights in God and His ways, and can be present no matter the circumstances. This sounds very appealing, but how do we cultivate this heart of joy? Today we are talking about joy, the struggles, and a few examples that will help us understand it all a little better. Life Hack Get Hoopla! Check out this free library app for your phone and tablet. Check out ebooks, audio books, and movies! Check out this episode where I talk with Emily about how the Word of God has blessed me in many practical ways throughout my life. Joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord begins with abiding in Christ - John 15 Joy is a fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22 What Do Joyful People Do? Joyful people share the Gospel - Matthew 28 Joyful people have fellowship with others - 1 John 1:7 Joyful people delight in what God delights in - Psalm 103 Joyful people are thankful - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Joyful people serve - Romans 12 Joyful people worship and sing to the Lord - Colossians 3 The Struggles and Solutions There are struggles that can steal our joy but the Bible gives solutions: Complacency / Repentance Romans 3:1-3 Fear of Man / Fear of God 2 Samuel 6, Psalm 112:1 Pain (emotional and physical) / eternal perspective Luke 22, Hebrews 12:1-2 Anger and Bitterness / Repentance Psalm 37:8 Bible Examples and Personal Study Read John 4 and Philippians 4 at these two examples of contentment and joy. What is the source of joy? What are some of your struggles with joy? What is the biblical solution? Resources What is Biblical Counseling - Interview with Isabella - Episode 33 The Woman Who Fears the Lord - Episode 41 Sign up for the FREE SPF Bible Reading Plan: Sheprovesfaithful.com/bible Counseling the Hard Cases A great book to give us wisdom as we make disciples and come across hard issues. Counseling the Hard Cases B&H Academic Virtuous A great little read on virtues of Christian women. Virtuous: A Study for Ladies of Every Age $8.29 By Nancy Wilson
