I Have Joy!

What is Joy?

Bible Reference

1 Chronicles 16:8-12

“Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced”

1. What comes to mind when you think of Joy?

2. Share a time with everyone of a moment where in you had a lot of Joy.

• What is David’s focus on?
• How do you think David felt after he got done writing this part of the song?
• Have you ever felt that way toward God? Why or why not?
• How do you think we would feel if we could have the same kind of focus that David has in the passage?

Joy vs. Happiness

Is there a difference between the two?

Why or Why not?

Galatians 5:19-23

Happiness - 19, Joy - 20

How can we acheive Joy?

How to Build Faith to Combat Fear

Final Points

• In the book of James, it says that every good and perfect gift comes from God.
• How do you think He would want us to respond to all that He’s blessed us with?
• Sometimes it’s easy to blame God or ask Him for help when things are bad. Is it just as easy to remember God when things go right? Why or why not?

• Sometimes it’s a little difficult to recognize all that God’s done for us
• When we do just take some time to realize that everything we are, everything that we’re blessed with, everything we’ve ever done right, all of these things have been made possible by God
• 1 Thessalonians 5: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thinks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
• Just like David, we are supposed to remember all the great things that God has done. And it is so important that we give God the credit!
• This week, remember what He’s done, and continue to thank Him, even after we leave this place today.

Abundant Life

Clip Recap

• God has called us to an abundant life.
• When we get that life we have to remember to give credit where credit is due.
• Take a moment and write down all of the good things in/about your life right now.

1. What was going on in the clip we just saw?

2. What happens when someone tries to take your joy away from you?

3. Has anyone ever tried to take your joy from you? Elaborate.

Scriptures

7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

*It is the goal of the enemy to take the Joy that God gave you away from you*