Chapter One
JoybustersIf we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, then one of the results is supposed
to be joy (Galatians 5:22). So why don't all of us experience more
of it, more consistently?
Before we can begin to cultivate more joy in our lives, we need to
take a good look at what prevents this precious spiritual fruit from growing.
Many different weeds can choke it. Neglect and inattention can stunt
it. Carelessness can bust it before it has a chance to thrive. A healthy, happy
soul doesn't grow without tender, diligent care.
In this lesson you'll unearth the various rocks and weeds that
threaten your joy, and you'll help each other begin to find your way back to
the Garden.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
A Moment
for Quiet Reflection
1. How full is your cup: overflowing, empty as a dry riverbed, or something in between? Indicate below how much joy
you have been experiencing in your life lately by filling in
the cup to the appropriate level.
2. What do you think are the reasons for your current joy or
lack of joy? List the first thing(s) that comes to mind.
3. If your cup isn't quite as full as you'd like it to be, think of
a time in your life when it was brimming. What was different
then-in your circumstances, your habits, and your
attitude?
Knowing God's Heart
1. As a group, briefly share your answers to the personal
reflection questions above. This will help you start getting
to know where each of you is on your journey toward joy.
2. Take turns reading the following Scripture passages and
discuss what they imply about the reasons people lose
their joy. Try to identify one specific "joybuster" in each
passage.
Numbers 11:4-6
Exodus 14:9-12
Psalm 38:1-6
Lamentations 1:1-6
Psalm 13:1-2
Psalm 119:28
Job 7:1-16
Matthew 6:34
Psalm 55:4-5, 12-14
Habakkuk 1:2-4
3. Which of the ten joybusters above is most interfering with
your experience of joy today? Why? (If your personal joybuster
isn't reflected in the verses you just read, name your
own.) As you listen to each woman share, make note of her
primary joybuster.
4. Think about the past few years of your life. Share with the
group which joybusters seem to be chronic for you.
5. Brainstorm together some ways you can bust the threats to
your joy before they bust you. Have one person keep a list
of the ideas you come up with.
6. Reviewing the list, choose one specific thing you will do to
combat your current personal joybuster in the week
ahead-or whenever it tries to bust down your door again.
Share your strategy with the group and write down each
woman's strategy next to her joybuster.
7. No matter what your personal joybusters are, you need not
be discouraged. What assurances does Psalm 62:5-8 give
you as you continue your journey?
Life is simply full of curves-sometimes gentle, pleasant, and surprisingly gratifying and sometimes
threatening to overwhelm me in their sharpness.
The seat belt insuring my survival is that one
profound and simple truth: Jesus loves me. Marilyn Meberg
Friendship Boosters
1. Share one thing that brought you joy in the past week.
Even the smallest incident or moment of insight is worth
sharing a smile over.
2. Take time now to exchange addresses, phone numbers, and/or e-mail addresses. Consider dropping a funny card in
the mail or sending an electronic message this week just to
say hi. If you're really brave, contact someone you've just
met for the first time or don't know very well. Your card or
message might just give her a much-needed "joyboost"!
Just for Fun
A great way to cultivate joy and friendship is to have somefun! Keep your eyes peeled this week for something funny in a
newspaper, book, or your life. When you find it, call another
woman in the group and share a laugh. It may sound silly, but
you'll be surprised at how good it will make both of you feel!
I think God has given women the power to move
on in life through the contagion of laughter
We laugh so we won't scream. Barbara Johnson
Praying Together
Referring to your notes of each other's personal joy-busters,
pray together now for each woman's specific concerns.
Ask God to help each of you use the simple strategy you've chosen
to resist whatever threatens your joy.
Circumstances are the rulers of the weak; they are but the instruments of the wise. Samuel Lover
MMaking It Real
in Your Own Life
1. Between now and your next group meeting, pay attention to
the situations and attitudes that threaten your joy. Make note
of them as they come up, and start watching for patterns.
2. Think of someone you know who has a lot of joy in his or
her life. If possible, call this person and ask what his or her
"secrets" are. Be ready to share your findings with the
group next week.
(Continues.)
