Where's the Joy Study
Psalm 16
- Is there a difference between happiness and joy? (To be happy is to be satisfied, either because we have what we desire, or because we’ve given up the desire for what we don’t have.)
- Can you pursue happiness? (We can see why the pursuit of happiness is the unhappiest of pursuits: We can’t always have what we want; when we get what we want, we may lose it; and even if we don’t lose it, the sense of satisfaction may fade as we find ourselves attracted to something else.)
- How is joy different? (God has promised that joy is a fruit of the Spirit
Gal 5:22. But He never promised that we would have everything we want in this life. If we want to discover joy, we won’t find it by continually striving to arrange the circumstances of our lives in a satisfying way. We must look for it elsewhere.)
- How would you define joy? (One simple definition of joy is this: Joy is the sense of delight that arises within us in the presence of someone or something we love. Joy depends, not on our acquisition of something, but rather on our encounter with something. Happiness possesses; joy appreciates. Happiness grasps; joy beholds.)
- How can you find joy? (Seek the presence of the Lord! Look for the Lord in all circumstances.)
- Does this study make you think of any other scripture? (Phillippians theme is the joy of knowing Jesus. Phil 4:11-13 being contnent because you can do everything through Him who gives strength. -- If the Lord's in it there will be joy.)