Our culture values “happiness” a lot today. We are told to chase happiness at all costs, but what happens when it’s lost? Happiness ebbs and flows based on circumstances and momentary feelings. Joy, however, is deeper. Joy doesn’t depend on our stuff or what is happening around us. Joy comes when we remember who God is and trust His promises. We can have joy in any circumstance because God never ever changes and is always with us. God is joyful and the source of our true joy.
JOY: Delighting in God in all circumstances
MEMORY VERSE: “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 (NLT)
This Week’s Finish Line: Because God is trustworthy, I can have joy!
This week we looked at the story of Abraham and Sarah, as they waited for God’s promise to be fulfilled (Genesis 17:1-19, and Genesis 21:1-7). God promised they would share in his joy by having a son, even when by worldly standards this was impossible. God is for us, and He is our true source of joy. Whenever we lose sight of God being good and trustworthy, we lose sight of joy. With God, nothing is impossible, and we can trust Him to remember His promises!
Family Questions:
- Look at Genesis 17:6-8. What are some of the things God promises Abraham?
- How would you feel if God was making all of these promises to you?
- Look at Genesis 17:17-19. What was the one problem Abraham saw?
- Is anything too impossible for God? What does God provide for Abraham? (Genesis 21:1-7)
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
TEACHER: Practice the Memory Verse
At dinner this week, start practicing this month’s memory verse together: Philippians 4:4. Practice making silly songs to help you remember the verse better, and see who can sing it the best!
FRIEND: Impossible Things
While driving in the car this week, ask your kids about things they think would be impossible for God to do. Are those things actually impossible for God? Discuss why or why not.
COUNSELOR: God’s Promises
During bedtime this week, ask your child to think of at least 2 things God has promised us in His Word. (Be sure to look up each Scripture) How do we know they will come true?
COACH: Trust Fall
Find some time after dinner one night this week to play a silly game of “Trust Fall.” Have one child stand in front of one parent and fall straight back into the parent’s arms without looking where they are falling. Mix up who is catching who, and be sure to keep the mood fun and silly. Make sure each person fully trusts the “catcher” to catch them in a real fall!
Prayer
Thank God for being your true source of joy. Thank Him for all of the promises He has made, kept and will keep in the future. Ask Him to help you run to Him for joy instead of trying to find it in the temporary things of this world.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will continue discussing joy, by looking at what happened when Jesus resurrected from the dead in Luke 24!
Image via Flickr Creative Commons