“Joy is not the absence of problems, but the presence of God.”

The true story is told of the translation of the New Testament from the English into the Eskimo language. Problems arose for the translators when they encountered certain words in English for which there is no corresponding word in the Eskimo language. For example, there is a passage which tells us that the disciples are filled with joy on seeing Jesus. But since there is no word for “joy” in the Eskimo language, the translators had to find another way to express the meaning of the passage. In their research, they discovered that one of the most joyful times for an Eskimo family is when the sled dogs are fed in the evening. The dogs come barking & yelping, running about and wagging their tails furiously, and the children are squealing with delight, and the neighbors too become part of the happy commotion. It is altogether a “joyous” time. Consequently, the translators used that particular event to help them convey the meaning of the Biblical passage. As a result, when the passage was translated back into English, it read: “When the disciples saw Jesus, they wagged their tails.”

Why I can be joyful in spite of circumstances:
*Because God is with me – Isaiah 43:2
*Because God has a plan for me – Psalm 50:15
*Because God will help me – Psalm 43:5

My Time With God

1.) Preparation Time

Focus on the goodness of God. Think about the 3 reasons why you can be joyful in spite of circumstances. Which one of the 3 fills you with the most joy? Which one do you tend to forget? Spend a few minutes and let God’s Joy flood your life, regardless of your situation.

2.) Waiting Time
Zephaniah 3:17 gives us an interesting insight into the character of God when he writes: “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Knowing that God takes great delight in you, allow Him to :

Love You.
“God, I feel Your love today, especially in the area of…”

Search You.
“God, you have permission to reveal any wrong motive in my life that might steal away my joy.”

Show You.
“God, You know what potential difficulties I will face today. Prepare my heart for them and give me joy regardless of my situation.”

3.) Confession Time
Every relationship needs joy…not happiness.

Happiness is external. Joy is internal.
Happiness is based on chance. Joy is based on choice.
Happiness is based on circumstance. Joy is based on Christ.

Yet, many Christians seem to be without Joy!

Confess to God areas in which you seem to lack Joy…

4.) Bible Time
We can never pray out of God’s will when we pray God’s Word.

…Read Romans 5:1-11 slowly a couple of times.
…Close your eyes & allow a main truth to surface in your heart.
…Pray the Scripture and allow God to minister to you.

The secret of Joy is PERSPECTIVE!

5.) Meditation Time
After praying the Scripture, meditate on these thoughts:

Joy comes from understanding truth – v. 2
Joy comes from having a hope in the future – v.2
Joy comes from seeing the big picture – vs, 3-5
Joy comes from being accepted – v.9
Joy comes from having peace with God – v.11

6.) Intercession Time – Praying for Others
Begin this time by asking God to give Joy to the people for whom you are about to intercede. Remember, “The Joy of the Lord is our strength.”
Name Request

7.) Petition Time – Praying for Yourself

How to petition God properly:
…Talk to Him about the “little things”
…Be honest with God
…Pray “Thy will be done”

Prayer Requests

8.) Application Time
The smallest obedient act is better than the greatest intention.

Q: What is the main thing God has impressed upon me today?

Q: What am I going to do about it?

Steps to take in my obedience to God:

9.) Faith Time
Faith is our positive response to what God has said. Spend a few moments praying through your eyes of faith. Tell God the positive things you see happening because of His goodness!

10.) Praise & Thanksgiving Time

Praise God by recognizing WHO HE IS!
Thank God by recognizing WHAT HE HAS DONE!

This Week’s Memory Verse – (John 15:11)

This Week’s Time Alone With God

Monday – This Lesson

Tuesday – Read John 15:1-11. What things did Jesus talk about that will give us Joy?

Wednesday – Focus on giving rather than receiving.
Read 2 Peter 1:7

Thursday – Focus on healing rather than hurting.
Read Colossians 3:13 & Romans 5:3-4

Friday – Focus on God’s power rather than your problems.
Read Philippians 4:4