The Potential and Permanence of Joy

Joy opens up possibilities for today and potential for the future. When God gives others can’t take away. Joy is not temporary based on circumstance. It is permanent based on God. Joy is because of God and through God. God doesn’t change. 

God Says 

No one can rob you of that joy. –John 16:22 

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. –James 1:2-4

Something to Think About 

Troubles in life can draw us closer to God. Intimacy with God gives us more joy. Pain and suffering isn’t the easiest way to experience joy—but joy can have unlikely sources. And joy can also be permanent. 

Individual or Family Activity 

Think about things or people or places that make you happy. Now think about things or people or places that make you unhappy. Describe a time when you went through a difficult event or season in life and how you experienced God’s presence during that time. Think about what your life would look like if it were defined by joy – a gift from God always available to you. 

Individual or Family Prayer 

Dear God - 

Help me to seek You in all circumstances. 

     During days of health and happiness. 

     During nights of uncertainty and pain. 

Keep drawing me closer to You. 

     Being grateful for blessedness. 

     Being hopeful for healing. 

During times of trials and trouble 

     Let me more fully embrace Your grace. 

     Let me more fully experience Your love. 

In all times, because of Your goodness. 

     Bless me with Your gift of joy. 

     Let me live out that joy each day. 

Amen.