Down in My Heart Kind of JOY

*Doing a little housekeeping again.  This will be on the sidebar under the Bible studies title.  Thanks*

This is a personal Bible study that God has been teaching me about joy that I want to share. Sometimes I struggle with being down, but I really want joy in my life. This helped me realize joy is not about how I feel or what situation I am in. It is all about being in the presence of the living, loving God. I hope it encourages you too.

Lesson 1  Down in my heart kind of Joy
Lesson 2  My Source of Joy
Lesson 3  Seeking Joy
Lesson 4  Seek Instruction
Lesson 5  Choose Joy
Lesson 6  Joyful Praise
Lesson 7  Joy because God is Good
Lesson 8  But what about...false joy
Lesson 9  But what about...when I just don't feel joy
Lesson 10  But what about...stolen joy
Lesson 11  But what about...trouble
Lesson 12  Complete Joy--the Ten Commandment Connection
Lesson 13  Complete Joy--Jesus' example
Lesson 14  Complete Joy--focused obedience
Lesson 15  Complete Joy--more benefits of obedience
Lesson 16  Complete Joy--position ready to obey
Lesson 17  Complete Lasting Joy

Complete lasting joy

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 17
Complete Lasting Joy

Let’s see if we can wrap this up in a nice package. Back in Lesson 12 we looked at John 15 where it says “complete joy, “ and we asked the question what does complete joy look like in my life? Here is what I have come up with. I'm a visual person and I have a picture, but I don't know how to get it on this post, so you will have to use your imagination with me.

Picture a circle. The first point on that circle is this: I spend time with God, my source of joy, and He gives me joy. Then continue around the circle and the second point is: That satisfaction in Him gives me strength to obey. When I try to obey, He helps me along the way, and I remain in His love. The final point on the circle is: Then because of the wonderful things He is doing in me, I praise Him with shouts of joy! And the circle continues that when I praise Him, I'm back to the beginning where I spend time in His presence.

Joy comes from God and goes back to God, completing a circle of joy around me. (You can write your name in the center.) I hesitate to illustrate that it revolves around me because it is all about God. Joy comes from Him, He empowers me, and I give it back to Him. I guess I see it as He wraps around me.

Read John 3:27.

If I receive joy, where does it come from?

Write Romans 11:36.

When my joy is based on the constant of God, it can be consistent through any changing situation or relationship. That is lasting, deep down in your heart kind of joy!

Thank you for joining me on this journey! It has been my pleasure to honor the Lord by serving you in this way. In light of what we have studied together, these verses are so rich and bless me. May they bless you too as we end this time together.

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we can now stand and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. (NLT)
Romans 5:1-2

To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever more! Amen. (NIV)
Jude 1:24-25

What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people He has chosen as His inheritance. (NLT)
Psalm 33:12

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Romans 15:13

Heart question:
What is something you learned from this study that you want to remember?

Joy...ready to obey

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 16
Complete Joy…Position Ready to Obey

In our discussion of joy in obedience, it is important not just to obey, but to be in a position ready to obey. During the summer Olympics last summer, we watched the men’s swimming events with Michael Phelps’ historic run of eight gold medals. If Michael had been by the pool, but not on the starting block when the whistle blew, he would not be in the position ready to go. We watched many of the races, and we noticed that for every race, prelim or final—it didn’t matter, Michael did the same routine every time. He came in listening to his ipod, took one ear piece out, dried off the starting block…stepped up on the starting block swung his arms to the front and to the back 3 times and he was ready to go. There is something to be said for meeting with God regularly. Not to be legalistic or boring about it, but in a routine of regularly reading the Bible, praying, and listening. Then I will be in a position ready to obey Him. This example in the Bible really hit this home for me.

Genesis 35:1 Then God said to Jacob, “Get ready and move…” (NLT)

In the very next verse, Jacob obeyed. Then years later, this happened.

Genesis 37:13 When they [Joseph’s brothers] had been gone for some time, Jacob said to Joseph, “Your brothers are pasturing the sheep at Shechem. Get ready, and I will send you to them.”

“I’m ready to go,” Joseph replied. (NLT)

I recently read a parenting book and one thing I learned was the importance of teaching my kids to obey me because that teaches them to obey God. Jacob had learned to obey God and modeled it for his family. Then it impressed me that Joseph was in a ready position to obey when his father asked him to do something. In Joseph’s life story, although there were parts he may have chosen to be prepared in a different way, he was ready for the next step of what God had for him.

In the story about the man and the wagon load of rocks (Lesson 14), what if the man had said, “Sure, I will do that for you, God. Just let me finish this project I have going.” Obeying is vitally important to God. I need to be in a ready position to obey and not too bogged down by other things.

Heart questions:
Am I in a position ready to obey?

Is there anything that is bogging me down?

You have come with me this far. One more lesson left and we will wrap this all up! Thanks so much for taking this journey with me! See you next time!

Complete joy--more benefits

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 15
Complete Joy…More Benefits of Obedience

I tend to be one who has to see a principle over and over for it to sink into my being and become part of the way I live life. If the Ten Commandment connection, Jesus’ example, and using our spiritual gifts are not convincing enough that obeying God results in joy, here is some more! Write the benefits of obedience in the margin as you go.

Psalm 119:1-8 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths, You have charged us to keep Your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect Your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with Your commands. As I learn Your righteous regulations, I will thank You by living as I should! I will obey Your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! (NLT)

A theme I’m beginning to study is what I set my heart on. If I am searching for Him with all my heart (vs.2), you can be sure that is what I have my heart set on! And verse 5 is what I pray for myself, as a mom especially: that my actions would consistently reflect Your decrees! How about this benefit of obedience: no shame, a life of no regret. Write that benefit in the margin. Wow! Then, I just love David’s honesty. God knows and I know I’m going to mess up. Verse 8 pleads my case, “Please don’t give up on me!” I already know that if I seek Him, He will not abandon me!

Psalm 112:1-2 Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. (NLT)

I wonder what legacy I will leave my children. I want it to be godly. This verse shows obedience with a promise that a whole generation will be blessed. So what is that benefit? Children will be successful, and an entire generation will be blessed.

Proverbs 29:18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. (NLT)

What is the benefit of obedience here? Joy!

This goes hand in hand. We obey and the result is joy. As I am obeying, I should serve with joy. In the next verses, God was laying out the curses that would happen if the Israelites didn’t obey Him. This is one of the curses. Notice that they were either going to serve God or their enemies. I would rather serve God!

Deuteronomy 28:47-48 If you do not serve the Lord your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you. You will be hungry, thirsty, naked, and lacking in everything. (NLT)

SweetHeart and I were sponsors at youth camp one year. One night was “Friend Night” where traditionally boys asked a girl friend to dinner. And traditionally the boy brought the girl a flower. The pastor took that opportunity to teach about serving. He said, “What if the boy comes to the door and says this:

‘Here is your flower. I felt like I had to get you one.’ Or maybe,
‘Here is your flower. Everyone else was doing it, so I got you one.’ Or,
‘Here is your flower. I was afraid to show up without one.’”

I don’t know about you, but those just don’t really do it for me! Then he said, “But what if he said, ‘Here is your flower. It is my pleasure to honor you in this way.” Aaaw! That would just melt my heart!

It is the same with God. When I serve out of duty, peer pressure, or fear, it just doesn’t cut it. But when I serve to please Him, that is honoring. So I will choose joy and enthusiasm as I serve. My attitude should be like John the Baptist’s.

John 3:28-30 You yourselves know how plainly I [John the Baptist] told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for Him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at His success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. (NLT)

His example is being filled with joy because of what God is doing. My attitude in serving should be joyful humility—God should get the glory. Glorifying God is also a benefit of obedience.

John 4:36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! (NLT)

The point here is that joy is a reward for work and sometimes that joy is deferred. (Yes, reward is the benefit.) Some people are planters and may not see the harvest. Even if they do, the result is not immediate. It takes time for the harvest. This also reiterates what we learned last time, that we all have different jobs. I need to find joy in the job God has for me.

Psalm 144: 15 Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful
indeed are those whose God is the Lord. (NLT)

Heart Questions:
How is your attitude as you serve? Are you motivated by duty, peer pressure, fear, or honor?

What benefit of obedience catches your attention most today?

Other verses in this section
o Judges 9:19 If you [people of Shechem] have acted honorably and in good faith toward Gideon and his descendants today, then may you find joy in Abimelech, and may he find joy in you.

(I thought this one might need a little clarification to what I was thinking.) When we obey God in choosing our leaders, it can bring joy. When we don’t obey, it brings destruction, as the rest of the story in Judges unfolds.

o Psalm 41:1
o Psalm 84:5, 12
o Psalm 97;11
o Psalm 106:3
o Psalm 128:1-2
o Proverbs 8:32
o Proverbs 10:1
o Proverbs 12:20
o Ecclesiastes 2:26a

Focused Obedience

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 14
Complete Joy…focused obedience

Yes, we need to obey. That is vitally important, and there is a key element to that. We saw this verse last time, but let’s look at it again.

Read Ephesians 5:10.

Notice that it says “carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” We as women especially, have a hard time saying no, especially to church work. I have a friend who says every time her phone rings she thinks it is the Holy Spirit and she says yes! I have to carefully determine what God wants me to do. This story illustrates this so well.

The story is told of a man who met God in a lovely valley one day. “How are you this morning?” God asked the fellow. “I’m fine, thank you,” the man replied. “Is there anything I can do for you today?”

“Yes, there is,” God said. “I have a wagon with three stones in it, and I need someone to pull it up the hill for me. Are you willing?”

“Yes, I’d love to do something for you. Those stones don’t look very heavy, and the wagon’s in good shape. I’d be happy to do that. Where would you like me to take it?” God gave the man specific instructions, sketching a map in the dust at the side of the road. “Go through the woods and up the road that winds up the side of the hill. Once you get to the top, just leave the wagon there. Thank you for your willingness to help me today.”

“No problem!” the man replied and set off cheerfully. The wagon pulled a bit behind him, but the burden was an easy one. He began to whistle s he walked quickly through the forest. The sun peeked through the trees and warmed his back. What a joy to be able to help the Lord, he thought, enjoying the beautiful day. Just around the third bend, he walked into a small village. People smiled and greeted him. Then, at the last house, a man stopped him and asked, “How are you this morning? What a nice wagon you have. Where are you off to?”

“Well, God gave me a job this morning. I’m delivering these three stones to the top of the hill.”

“My goodness! Can you believe it? I was just praying this morning about how I was going to get this rock I have up to the top of the mountain,” the man told him with great excitement. “You don’t suppose you could take it up there for me? It would be such an answer to prayer.”

The man with the wagon smiled and said, “Of course. I don’t suppose God would mind. Just put it behind the other three stones.” Then he set off with three stones and a rock rolling behind him. The wagon seemed a bit heavier. He could feel the jolt of each bump, and the wagon seemed to pull to one side a bit. The man stopped to adjust the load as he sang a hymn of praise, pleased to be helping out a brother as he served God.

Then he set off again and soon reached another small village at the side of the road. A good friend lived there and offered him a glass of cider. “You’re going to the top of the hill?” his oldest friend asked.

“Yes! I am so excited. Can you imagine, God gave me something to do!”

“Hey!” said his friend. “I need this bag of pebbles taken up. I’ve been so worried that it might not get taken care of since I haven’t any time to do it myself. But you could fit it in right between the three stones here in the middle.” With that, he placed his burden in the wagon. “Shouldn’t be a problem,” the man said. “I think I can handle it.” He finished the cider, then stood up and brushed his hands on his overalls before gripping the handle of the wagon. He waved good-bye and began to pull the wagon back onto the road.

The wagon was definitely tugging on his arm now, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. As he started up the incline, he began to feel the weight of the three stones, the rock, and the pebbles. Still, it felt good to help a friend. Surely God would be proud of how energetic and helpful he’d been. One little stop followed another, and the wagon grew fuller and fuller. The sun was hot above the man pulling it, and his shoulders ached with the strain. The songs of praise and thanksgiving that had filled his heart had long since left his lips as resentment began to build inside. Surely this wasn’t what he had signed up for that morning. God had given him a burden heavier than he could bear.

The wagon felt huge and awkward as it lumbered and swayed over the ruts in the road. Frustrated, the man was beginning to have visions of giving up and letting the wagon roll backward. God was playing a cruel game with him. The wagon lurched, and the load of obligations collided with the back of his legs, leaving bruises. “This is it!” he fumed. “God can’t expect me to haul this all the way up the mountain.” “Oh God,” he wailed. “This is too hard for me! I thought you were behind this trip, but I am overcome by the heaviness of it. You’ll have to get someone else to do it. I’m just not strong enough.” As he prayed, God came to his side. “Sounds like you’re having a hard time. What’s the problem?”

“You gave me a job that is too hard for me,” the man sobbed. “I’m just not up to it!” God walked over to where the wagon was braced with a stone. “What is this?” He held up the bag of pebbles.

“That belongs to John, my good friend. He didn’t have time to bring it up himself. I thought I would help.”

“And this?” God tumbled two pieces of shale over the side of the wagon as the man tried to explain.

God continued to unload the wagon, removing both light and heavy items. They dropped to the ground, the dust swirling up around them. The man who had hoped to help God grew silent. “If you will be content to let others take their own burdens,” God told him, “I will help you with your task.”

“But I promised I would help! I can’t leave these things lying here.”

“Let others shoulder their own belongings,” God said gently. “I know you were trying to help, but when you are weighted down with all these cares, you cannot do what I have asked of you.” The man jumped to his feet, suddenly realizing the freedom God was offering. “You mean I only have to take the three stones after all?” he asked.

“That is what I asked you to do.” God smiled. “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light. I will never as you to carry more than you can bear.”

“I can do that!” said the man, grinning from ear to ear. He grabbed the wagon handle and set off once again, leaving the rest of the burdens beside the road. The wagon still lurched and jolted lightly, but he hardly noticed. A new song filled his lips, and he noticed a fragrant breeze wafting over the path. With great joy he reached the top of the hill. It had been a wonderful day, for he had done what the Lord had asked.

(from Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver, p.
48-51)

I am realizing that those who God uses to accomplish a lot are very focused on what He has called them to do. They are not usually scattered in many different things, but the things they do are excellent for His glory!

My former pastor, Bro. Roger, was teaching on spiritual gifts, which is another important aspect of this to know, but we won’t get too much into that in this study. For right now, understand that everyone in Christ has a spiritual gift and the purpose is to build up the body of Christ. These are the verses that have the spiritual gifts listed: 1 Peter 4:10-11, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-13, and 1 Corinthians 12:1-31. If you are interested in discovering your spiritual gift, this is a helpful website that has a free online inventory.

This is the really interesting part for today. Bro. Roger said that the Greek word for gift, as in spiritual gifts is: charisma. Look at the first part of that word—charis. That is the Greek word for grace. Spiritual gifts are gifts of grace in that we do not earn them in any way; the Holy Spirit just gives them to us by grace. And we are to use them with grace. Another similar word is chara, which is…JOY! When I use my spiritual gift in obedience, I will have joy!

Heart questions:
Are there things you are picking up that God did not ask you to carry in your wagon?

What is your spiritual gift?

Are you using it?

Complete Joy...Jesus' example

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 13
Complete Joy…Jesus’ example

Go back over Lesson 12 to refresh your memory. Now let’s look at two pictures of Jesus’ obedience—washing the disciples’ feet and the cross.

Read John 13:3-17. Look at verses 3-4 again.

Jesus knew who He was in His relationship with God. Then He obeyed even though it meant being a servant—washing the disciples’ feet. I have to be in God’s presence, be filled and content with His joy, and be comfortable with who I am in Him. Then I can confidently obey and serve others with humility.

Read Hebrews 12:2-3.

Joy is a reward for obedience, and for Jesus it was worth the cross! He is our perfect example. So all of this comes down to this…will I obey? One time I started paying attention to the verses that said something like “____ pleases God.” I had quite a list going, so I decided to organize them and group them together. I don’t know why I was surprised to see that it all fit into two categories: 1) Love God and 2) Love others. (Have we seen that before recently? Matthew 22:35-40) But most of all obey!

Read Ephesians 5:9-10, 15-17.

I can know who I am in my relationship with God. Now it is time to roll up my sleeves and be ready for whatever service He puts me in. When I seek God and His presence and instruction, I can ask Him what He wants me to do.

Psalm 40:4, 8. Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols….I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart. (NLT)

Want to know what God’s will is? Let His Word be written on your heart. Remember to keep on seeking, keep on knocking, keep on asking. He is not playing hard to get...He wants to be found!

Read Colossians 1:9. (That whole paragraph is rich!)

Ask Him—make this a Scripture prayer. I have this in my journal that I pray for myself and my family.

Heart question:
What was the last thing God told you to do? Did you do it?

Complete joy and the ten commandments

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 12
Complete Joy…Ten Commandment connection

Keep all that we’ve learned about joy in mind as we look at the Ten Commandments and draw a connection between joy and obedience.

Read Exodus 20:1-17.

For several weeks in Sunday School we had been reading and discussing the book Sinai Summit: Meeting God with Our Character Crisis by Rick Atchley. Each week we discussed a commandment and we got to the last one—“Do not covet your neighbor’s ____.” We talked about this commandment being different because it dealt with our thoughts, not our actions. And breaking this one can lead to breaking every other commandment! (The author pointed out that David coveted Bathsheba and that lead to breaking 7 of the 10!) Then it dawned on me that when we covet, we think we will be happier or find joy, if only we had _____. But the joy we are seeking is something only God can give us by spending time in His presence. When we seek joy in places other than God, it can lead to breaking every other commandment. This falls right in to what Jesus taught as the Greatest Commandment:

Read Matthew 22:35-40.

I have to put God as my first priority! When I do, watch what happens.

Read Matthew 6:33.

Jesus reminds us to seek God first, and our needs will be met—there is no need to worry or covet or steal or break any other command.

Then I thought of this verse. (This maybe one of those “joy” verses you were expecting!) It is short so I’ll give it to you.

Nehemiah 8:10b …for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

How can joy be strength? This was pretty profound to me! When I spend time in God’s presence and am filled with His joy, I gain strength to obey because He satisfies my desires! This led to a search and here are some other verses God lead me to.

Psalm 89:15-17 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of Your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in Your wonderful reputation. They exult in Your righteousness. You are their glorious strength. It pleases You to make us strong. (NLT)

There are several themes of our study that I want to point out here. First, did you notice the setting of joy is in His presence? Second, they rejoiced in Him because of His wonderful deeds. And third, they acknowledged God as the source of strength. I just love the last sentence! I am so weak, I’m glad it pleases Him to make me strong! I need Him so much! It pleases Him to make me strong because I am depending on Him in my weakness.

Read John 15:9-12.

When I spend time with Him, I hear God’s Word and gain strength to obey Him and remain in His love. When I obey, my joy will be complete! Wow! Which begs the question What does complete joy look like in my life? Stick with me and we will discover that, at least to some degree!

Read John 16:24.

As I try to obey and need help, I just have to ask! God will help me to obey so that my joy can be complete in Him. Then I will praise Him with joy for the mighty things He is doing in my life! Oh, I just love this next part!

Philippians 2:13. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him. (NLT)

God gives me the desire to obey, the strength and power to accomplish it, and a complete greater joy to top it off!

I want to keep this in manageable chunks for a day, so come back for part two in the next lesson…

Heart question:
Am I content in God, or am I coveting ____ that gets me into trouble?

What priority does God have in my life?

Am I operating in God’s strength or my own?

But what about trouble

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 11
But what about…trouble

We do live in the real world with real troubles, real hurts and life isn’t fair! Joy is still an option!

Read James 1:2-4.

Troubles—great joy?! Last time I checked this is not my first reaction to troubled times! But will I choose joy? Will I take the chance to seek God and be in His presence? A chance to joyfully praise Him for the work He is doing in my life? When I choose to do this, then yes, it is pure joy!

This is one of those times that it is good to practice being in God's presence and in His Word when life is good. Then when life is hard, keep at it. Even at the time if it is just out of habit, keep God's Word in your life. I recently read Corrie ten Boom's book, The Hiding Place. She has an amazing story of persecution and how God's Word and His love sustained her through it. Even to forgiving the concentration camp jailers who were so cruel. Beth's memory verse for this go round fits in here. It is Psalm 119:175 out of the Message:

Invigorate my soul so I can praise You well,
use Your decrees to put iron in my soul.

There is a verse that says the joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Iron in my soul sounds like strength to me. That comes from His Word--His presence.

Read 2 Corinthians 8:2.

Remember that we will have trouble, but it does not have to interfere with being filled with abundant joy.

Heart questions:
How do I react to hard times?

Is there anything in the way of my experiencing God’s greater joy?

So here is where we have been. This joy is overwhelming! God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—the presence of the Triune God is our lasting source of joy. We seek to be with Him in praise and instruction. Because of His presence, forgiveness and mighty acts, we shout with joy! Even when we don’t feel it, God fills us with joy. Now. What will we do with it? See you next time!

But what about stolen joy

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 10
But what about…stolen joy

Beware! Satan wants to steal our joy! One of SweetTate's favorite TV shows is Dora, the Explorer. There is a character, named Swiper, who likes to swipe things. When he comes to steal something, Dora and her buddy Boots say, “Swiper, no swiping!” Sometimes his plan is foiled. I wish it were as easy as saying, “Satan, no swiping!” God desires for us to have His Word such a part of our lives that we can combat Satan with it.

Read John 10:10.

Did you notice destruction is the enemy’s goal and his plan starts by stealing? He knows how powerful joy is. He is so envious and there is a lot he can not touch, like our salvation, but he can steal our joy. That is why he sets traps of sin for us to fall into. David fell into sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) and he wrote this Psalm of repentance…

Read Psalm 51:8, 12.

Satan steals our joy and tries to replace it with a counterfeit. I know there is no lasting joy except from God. Guard it! And if I do fall for Satan’s lies, come back and repent as David did. God will restore the joy of my salvation.

Heart question:
Has Satan stolen my joy?

Is there unconfessed sin that needs to be taken care of?

Praise Him for the joy of His salvation!

But what about when I'm just not feeling it

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 9
But what about…when I don’t feel joy

Whether it is a big move, strained relationships, a loss, or any number of other hurts, we all have times that we don’t feel joy. I am one who can get down, and if it is something I think I have the right to be depressed about, I just let go and fall into depression. (Never clinically diagnosed, but once it probably could have been.) In the middle of working on this, we had to put our dog to sleep. (That was about a year ago.) She had been my dog for almost 12 years, and it was really hard. (I understand if you are not a pet person, you probably can’t relate here, but go with me.) I cried for days, and really didn’t want to do anything but sit and miss Sadie. Then I remembered this lesson, and thought about how I should look to God for my joy and not let go into deep sadness. And He did. He comforted me like no one else could. I know that is so minor to other situations, but I know if He cares about the little matters, He will certainly care about the big ones!

So where is this in the Bible? Reading the story of Elijah, I noticed something.

Read 1 Kings 18-19. (Yes, that is chapters.)

Here are some highlights I want to point out about Elijah:
o Experienced God’s presence – 1 Kings 18:15
o Witnessed God’s marvelous acts – 1 Kings 18:18-39
o Heard God in a gentle whisper – 1 Kings 19:11-13
o AND had confidence and depression issues – 1 Kings 19:14 (for the fourth time)

So where was Elijah’s joy? From what we have studied, he surely experienced the lasting joy of God. I am no expert, but the best answer I can come up with is that maybe it was just not recorded. It is comforting for me to know that I can have times of depression and times where I don’t feel God’s joy. It is not something I want to do often. Others are watching how I react and depend on God. So for His glory I need to reflect His love and joy more often than not. But there will still be those down times, and from Elijah’s example, God can still use me mightily! I need to keep on seeking, keep on knocking, keep on asking and keep on knowing Him.

So does this mean I can’t be sad or upset in His presence? No. He wants me to bring Him all of my stuff. I know we read a lot already, but you have to see this.

Read 1 Peter 5:7.

He wants it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Go ahead. He can handle it! And He loves you so much!

Read Psalm 56:8.

Read Psalm 42 (focus on verse 5).

Read Psalm 126:5-6.


He cares—keeps tears, wipes away tears. He will lift you up and fill your heart with joy. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.

Heart question:
What care do I need to cast on the Father who loves me?

But what about false joy

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 8
But what about…false joy

OK. By this point you are probably thinking that I am Little Miss Pollyanna and don’t live in the real world with real hurts, real bad people, and real problems…life just isn’t fair! How do you throw that into this joy thing? You are right. The world tries to persuade us with all kinds of false joy. And others who are obviously not practicing the presence of God seem to have joy. So the next few lessons we will look some of these questions.

You can read the whole chapter to get the context of what is happening in this story. The Reader’s Digest version is that David’s enemy had come and raided their city while the men were away. They captured their wives and children, plundered their homes, and burned the city. Here is the climactic verse in the New Living Translation because it uses joy…

1 Samuel 30:16-17 So he [the Egyptian] led David to them, and they found the Amalekites spread out across the fields, eating and drinking and dancing with joy because of the vast amount of plunder they had taken from the Philistines and the land of Judah. David and his men rushed in among them and slaughtered them… (NLT)

The Amalekites were having a huge party! How often do I look at others having a party and feel jealous? And whine "I want to have fun!" There is absolutely nothing wrong with having fun and having a party. I love getting together with friends and family and laughing until it hurts! But don’t be jealous of someone whose joy is in things they have obtained, especially if they got it illegally. That is false joy that is short lived.

Read Job 20:4-5, 18b.

First of all, what is mirth? The NLT translates it “triumph.” The success of ungodly people and the joy from wealth looks appealing, but as it has been from the beginning of time, it doesn’t last! And isn’t lasting joy what we are after? That only comes from One person!

Proverbs 15:21 Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path. (NLT)

Then we come to foolishness. That pretty much sums up any other activity we can find false joy in. So take heart. When it seems like others are full of joy for all the wrong reasons, remember they have no sense and it is only temporary. God provides lasting joy on the right path. Don’t be deceived by happiness—what is going on around you verses joy—what is going on inside you.

Heart question:
Have you fallen for some of this false joy?

Joy because God is Good

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 7
Joy because God is Good

Last time we looked at joyful praise just because we are in God’s presence, and praising Him for who He is. Today’s lesson is praising with shouts of joy because of the mighty things God does for us, especially His forgiveness. I take so many things that God does for me for granted. I barely notice that He did it for me, let alone shout praises. He is so good to take care of every detail from our food and clothes to our sin.

Money has been tighter this year, so I’m noticing more ways God has provided for us that I never acknowledged really. The seasons were changing and it was time to go through the closets. I stopped and thought about the kids clothes and realized how few of them we had bought. With gifts and hand-me-downs, God had provided clothes for our growing family. In SweetDoll's closet, I saw that we were at the end of the clothes I had and wondered how we would afford the next season’s wardrobe. Wouldn’t you know, the next Sunday a friend at church said, “My daughter outgrew these clothes. Can your daughter wear them?” Sure!

These verses specifically show the joy we have because we are forgiven.

Psalm 32:1-2 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! (NLT)

Proverbs 29:6 Evil people are trapped by sin,
but the righteous escape, shouting for joy. (NLT)

Read Psalm 30:4-5, 11-12.

Shout praises to the Lord, His joy comes in the morning! What have you traded for joy?


Now, not only am I supposed to praise God for what He has done, but I am also supposed to tell it! When I’m praising in the sanctuary, others will hear the wonderful things He is doing in my life. My family and friends ought to know.

Read Psalm 145:4-7.

If you are a mom, grandmother, neighbor lady, Sunday School teacher…This is our responsibility! We are to meditate on His awe-inspiring deeds and proclaim His greatness. Share the story! The next generation, even the ones not yet born, need to hear it!

Read Psalm 28:7.

I think if I was leaping for joy at what God had done, I would have opportunities to tell what was going on because somebody will ask!

This is the greater joy filling my heart to overflowing and it comes out in noticeable ways to the Father and to others, glorifying Him. When SweetDoll was two years old, she saw the trash was over the top, and she said, “Momma, the trash is very under-flowing!” I laughed and thought that has to have a godly truth in there. It is kind of like an undercurrent below what is overflowing. We praise with joy because of the abundant love God lavishes on us. He is the undercurrent, so we can be “under-flowing“ with joy! Think about Romans 15:13 in this context.

Read Romans 15:13.


One thing that can get in the way of this joy at what God is doing is pride.

Read John 3:29.

John the Baptist didn’t let his pride get in the way. He was filled with joy at Jesus’ success. We need to have this attitude at what God is doing in the lives of others too.

Shouts of joyful praise for forgiveness, for wonderful things He is doing in my life, and for what God is doing in the church and other believers.

1 Thessalonians 2:19
Philippians 1:4
Philippians 1:25
3 John 1:4

Heart question:
Are you like me and have some things you have taken for granted that you need to praise Him for?

Spend some time praising Him for His forgiveness and wonderful work in your life.

Here are some other verses that speak to this topic:
Psalm 25:1

Psalm 63:5,7

Psalm 118:15

Psalm 126:1-6

Acts 11:23

Joyful Praise

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 6
Joyful Praise

This is the lesson I expected this whole joy thing to be about. Whew! It is so much more than just praise! Don’t get me wrong praise is important, but this greater joy is so much more than that! Because when I spend time in God’s presence, I will seek His instruction and I will joyfully praise Him! And what better place to see it than in the Psalms. Read these verses and make note of any words or phrases that ring true to you.

Psalm 5:11
Psalm 9:2
Psalm 22:26
Psalm 33:1
Psalm 90:14


Personal worship and praise is important. It is also vital to worship and praise God together with other believers. It is contagious and encouraging! Psalm 27:6 mentions worshiping and praising at His sanctuary. And in the New Testament, Acts tells about the early church worshiping together.

Read Acts 2:46-47.

Again, God’s presence and joyful praising are intertwined. There is joy in the obedience of loving one another and sharing, and God blessed them.


Heart question:
Do you joyfully praise Him personally and with other believers?

You may ask how do you praise Him? Praise Him for who He is to you.

Choosing Joy

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 5
Choose Joy

Beth Moore has two daughters. The oldest, Amanda, started a blog for Living Proof Ministries (there is a link in the list on the right). It is a fun slice of life in their family. Beth, Amanda, and the younger sister, Melissa, write posts about anything from what is for dinner to a neat insight from their personal Bible study. One post allowed bloggers to post questions. Being a mom, this one caught my eye. “What was the best advice you got from your mom growing up?” Amanda replied, “Choose joy.” We get into so many situations and we have a choice of how to handle it—choose joy. I thought that was great advice.

So here is a joy check. Read these verses and write down the evidences of joy they describe.

Psalm 34:5

Psalm 146:5

Proverbs 13:9

Proverbs 16:20

Do I see the evidence of joy in my life? Am I joyful? If not, am I spending time with Him to trust Him? Am I worrying instead of trusting? Am I obeying? Is there sin I need to confess?

Read 2 Corinthians 13:11.

Paul presents this like we have a choice to be joyful. I want to suggest that it isn’t a choice in just changing your attitude. That is not lasting joy. I cannot sustain the act. It is a choice of being in God’s presence or not. It is a command—we have the choice to obey or not. Did you notice the promise here? Do these four things, and “the God of love and peace will be with you.” His presence will be with us! (Keep this circle of presence-obedience-presence in mind.)

Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it
again—rejoice! (NLT)

To me this says, continually, consistently be in God’s presence and in His Word, so I will be full of joy.

“You have to look for the joy. Look for the light of God that is hitting your
life, and you will find sparkles you didn’t know were there.”
–Barbara Johnson

Heart question:
So how is your heart? Are you choosing this greater joy?

Music Review

This is some of the music that is resonating with my soul lately and helps me be in God's presence and helps my joy...

In the car yesterday, we had a PureNRG CD in. I have heard it 100 times, but never really heard the words to this song. It so hit home! (I know it's a kids' CD, but it is truth!) It is called "Pray" and here are the first lines... (or see it, hear it here.)

Overwhelmed and uninspired
Miscommunication breakdown
I'm in an ocean
Trying to start a fire
Burning out

I know what I've got to do
Take my time and talk to You...

...I see clearly
Every single time I
Close my eyes and
Pray

I so needed that reminder!

And then there is Travis Cottrell's newest album Jesus Saves Live. It leads me to worship everytime I sing with it! My favorites..."Do It Lord" and "In Christ Alone (with the Solid Rock)." I can't listen to that one without tears coming to my eyes. Oh, and "My Inheritance." If you went to Beth Moore's Living Proof last August in San Antonio, you will especially love that one too. You can get a glimpse of each song on Travis' website. (In the middle is a player, it starts automatically.)

Of course I couldn't talk about music without mentioning Steven Curtis Chapman. He has a new project coming out soon. It is an album that he did this year in the struggle of living after the death of his daughter, Maria. He talks about it in a blog video here. And here is the first single released.



So what is on your playlist lately that helps with your joy?

Joy Seeking Instruction

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 4
Seek Instruction

If you could have lunch with any living person who would it be? That is a “get to know me” question that is often asked. There are some I would like to spend time with because I think they would make me laugh, like Anita Renfro, the lady who sings “The Mom Song.” But most of the people on my list are wise people I would love to learn from and just a few hours to ask questions would be great!

I have a uniquely personal opportunity to meet each and everyday with my Creator. Sometimes we do laugh. Sometimes I cry. Most of the time, I learn something. We all have this wonderful opportunity. What will we do with it? Part of the joy of being in God’s presence is seeking His instruction and learning from Him.

Read Jeremiah 15:16.

The New Living Translations says “I devoured them.” When was the last time you devoured a chunk of God’s Word? In Psalms 81:10 He promises that if we open our mouth wide, He will fill it!
David spoke of the commandments or Word of the Lord bringing joy to the heart. And meditating on His Word is one way we spend time with Him in His presence.

Read Psalm 19:8 and Psalm 1:1-2.

Proverbs 8:33-34 Listen to My [Wisdom’s] instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it. Joyful (NIV says blessed) are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. (NLT)

God is wisdom. Am I listening to His instruction? Am I spending time in His Word? Even if I am hearing it, am I doing it, or ignoring His teaching? Do I watch for Him? Am I waiting for Him?

Proverbs 2:6-11 For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to Him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart and wisdom will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (NLT)

While we are on this treasure hunt, let’s pick up some common sense! Wisdom will enter your heart and fill you with joy. And there is the presence of God again—in His instruction!

Psalm 94:12 Joyful are those You discipline, Lord, those You teach with Your instruction. (NLT)

The last time I checked, my usual response to discipline was not joyful. Chris Rice has a song that says “I’d take no for an answer, just to know I heard Your voice.” That is so true! I have to be in His presence for Him to teach me and discipline me. It is confirmation of God’s presence and His working in my life. Hebrews 12:7 says “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” That is how I can be joyful and feel blessed by discipline.

Psalm 119:92-93 If Your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget Your commandments, for by them You give me life. (NLT)

The NIV has the phrase “been my delight” for “sustained me with joy.” Either way God’s instructions—His Word—is what gets me through the day. It is my life, my delight, and my joy to be in His presence studying the Words He gave me to live by.

Read Proverbs 3:13-18.

More profitable than silver, better returns than gold, more precious than rubies, blessed, joyful, peace…if that doesn’t make you want to seek His instruction, I don’t know what will! I’m going on a treasure hunt!

Heart question:
So what will you do with your uniquely personal opportunity to be in God’s presence every day?

In Jill Savage's post today she talks about having just a snack with God or having a meal with Him. It is an interesting concept. You can read it here.

Seeking Joy

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 3
Seek Joy

We have established that being in God’s presence produces joy. Just like any other positive outcome, now I will have a desire to actively seek God’s presence because I want it! Beth Moore says all the time, “There ain’t no high, like the Most High!” And unlike anything else I can pursue, this comes with satisfying promises.

Read Psalm 70:4.

Remember that God promises that He will be found by those who seek Him. This is a promise that we find evidence of over and over in Scripture. Even when the soldiers were seeking Jesus to arrest Him, He was found. Here is a familiar verse in the New Living Translation.

Matthew 7:7-8 Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to
everyone who knocks. (NLT)

Don’t quit! Keep on searching for Him. Keep on reading His Word. Keep on talking with Him in prayer. Keep on knowing Him in your situation. He is not trying to play hard to get. He wants to be found! Look what else we find when we seek Him.

Read Psalm 105:4.

When I seek Him, I will find Him and spending time with Him gives me joy—His strength. (Strength—hold this thought for lesson 12)

Read Psalm 9:10.

When I get to know Him, it builds my trust in Him. I love the promise that He will not abandon me!

Psalm 119:143 As pressure and
stress bear down on me, I find joy in Your commands. (NLT)

During stressful times it is tempting to not spend time with God because other things steal my time, and it shows by the lack of joy. When I am stressed, look for joy in Him! Keep on seeking Him!

Psalm 40:16 But may all who
search for You be filled with joy and gladness in You. May those who love
Your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!” (NLT)

I want to claim the blessing of joy and gladness in the Lord in Psalm 40:16 and repeatedly shout “The Lord is great!” So I will actively seek God’s presence—His joy, strength, and security.


Heart questions:
What am I seeking?




What am I finding?

My Source of Joy

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 2
Source of Joy

Last time we looked at the fact that joy comes from being in God’s presence. His presence includes the whole Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Now, this isn’t just any joy…

Read Psalm 4:7-8 and fill in the blank.

You have ________________ my heart with ______________ joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

I just had to include verse 8. One reason is that I think there is a link between joy and peace, but I haven’t studied that yet. Keep an eye on that as you study because many times joy is mentioned, peace is near. Is that any wonder because joy comes from being in the presence of God! Secondly, it reiterates that God alone is our refuge!

OK, back to verse 7. He fills my heart with greater joy. Greater than the celebration of harvest! Greater than when there is plenty of money in the bank and the pantry is full! And He wants to fill my heart with this greater joy, not just in one area, not just part of the time—full. That means He has to have all of my heart and His presence will fill every area, all the time. In the second video of the Wising Up study Beth Moore teaches about the “Heart of Wisdom” and asks “How is your heart?”

Heart question: Is my heart full of greater joy? Why or why not? What do I need to do about it?



I don’t know about you, but sometimes I struggle with this concept. Can we really be in God’s presence? God answers through David and Elijah:

Read Psalm 116:9 and 1 Kings 18:15.

Can you think of other Bible characters who were in the presence of God? Moses, Joshua, the Disciples, and Paul are a few that come to mind. We can be in God’s presence continually. One of the classic Christian books is Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. At first, I thought sure, he is a monk! It is easy for him to practice the presence of God. How am I going to relate? Then I read it. Do you know what his job was at the monastery? He worked in the kitchen! OK, maybe I can relate! He said he prayed before he began a task and then prayed afterward to confess if necessary, thank Him, praise Him, and ask that God be glorified by what he had done.

Ann Graham Lotz was teaching this concept and she illustrated it like this. When you go for a walk with a friend, there are two rules. (I had a friend I walked with all the time and I didn’t remember there being rules to it!) She said you have to walk the same direction and at the same speed. I guess there are rules; I never thought about it that way. Prayer is a big part of being in God’s presence. It’s a two way conversation. And it is the way I check in to be sure God and I are headed the same direction at the same speed. Not only can I be in His presence, I need to be in His presence!

Heart question: So how is my walk? Am I in His presence or going the other direction? Am I in His presence or jumping ahead or lagging behind?




Watch what happens when God’s presence is gone…

Read Isaiah 16:10.

When God’s presence is gone, there is no joy even in things that usually are celebrated, like the harvests for the Israelites.

I have times that I just do not have joy. One particular time I was especially restless and discontent. In fact, if my children had been acting this way I would have sent them to take a nap! That was part of the problem—I was tired. But I was also tired of doing the same dishes, the same dirty laundry, cleaning the same… One day I was dusting and my son's nap music was praise songs. It wasn’t so bad dusting that day! I used to clean listening to music all the time, but I haven’t in a while. It made me smile to do the same cleaning jobs, but the difference was God’s presence. (Psalm 22:3 “But Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” KJV) So if you find yourself grumbling or just a bad attitude in general, let God be part of it. It may not be as easy as turning on music and you’ll have to be creative, but let His presence bring joy to your situation. Remember Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Acknowledge there means to know Him. In all your situations, KNOW HIM there. Let His presence be there and know Him. Let Him bring His joy to your situation.

Heart question: Is my joy gone? Can I connect it to God’s presence being gone?


If you want to read other verses about joy coming from being in God’s presence:
1 Chronicles 16:27; Psalm 25:6; Psalm 68:3, 6; Proverbs 14:10;
Isaiah 12:6

Down in My Heart Kind of JOY--1

For a long time I have wanted to share somethings that God is teaching me about joy. Well, the boxes are unpacked, we are officially settled, the kids are in school, so today is the day! I'm not sure how often I'll post this series--at least once a week. But I will put a link on the right so they will all be in one place. I pray that this encourages you, as it does me. Here we go!

Down In My Heart Kind of JOY!

In the No Other Gods study by Kelly Minter, one of the things I realized is how much I am motivated by pleasure. Not that pleasure is a bad thing, but the things that I will bow to in order to chase after what doesn’t last. Uh, don’t want to go there! But isn’t that what we all want…that deep down in my heart kind of joy that we used to sing about as children? And there is not a man, child, project, career, scrapbook, or chocolate that can fill what God wants to fill deep down in my heart. JOY
Several years ago, joy was the word that kept catching my attention as I was reading my Bible. It happened so often I finally started writing them down, and I began to see a pattern. And that pattern fell right into what we were studying in Sunday School—the Ten Commandments. He is still teaching me. That is where this study came from and there is a lot to see! Now let me start with this statement…I learned from Beth Moore that, ”All attempts to define God cannot help but minimize Him. If in our pursuit of greater knowledge God seems to have gotten smaller, we have been deceived.” (Beth Moore, Believing God, p. 30) My goal has been to learn all I can about God’s lasting joy. But I don’t want, in any way, to think I have this joy thing all figured out. My God is bigger than I can imagine! He has blessed me with just a glimpse of Him that I want to share. This is what I have learned so far. I can’t wait for you to see this!

First of all, joy comes from spending time in God’s presence. I’m talking the complete God-head—the Father, Son and Spirit. (I love it when there is a fuller picture to something like this!) Look at the following verses.

o God the Father—Read Psalm 16:11 and Psalm 43:3-4
Who is my joy and delight?

o God the Son—All through Jesus’ life on earth He brings joy
o Read Luke 1:44.
Even Jesus’ presence in the womb caused joy!

o Read Matthew 1:10.
Just like the wise men, when I search for Jesus, I am filled with joy.

o Read Matthew 3:17.

o Read Luke 19:6.

o Read John 17:13.
Jesus’ words bring the ‘full measure’ of His joy IN me, so I need to spend time in His Word!

o Read Luke 24:41 and John 20:20.
This was when Jesus appeared to them after His resurrection.

o God the Holy Spirit
o Read Galatians 5:22-23.

“As New Testament believers, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us when we
receive Christ as our personal Savior, and he brings His personality with
Him. When we are yielded to the Holy Spirit’s authority, His personality
fills us and eclipses our own. When we’re not yielded, we grieve the Holy
Spirit and operate from our carnal nature. Thank goodness, He still does
not leave us, but our faith consequently shrinks. You see the more we are
filled with the Spirit, the more faith we can possess.” Beth Moore,
Believing God, p. 25

In this study Beth was teaching about faith, but I believe the concept is true for joy as well. When we are yielded to the Holy Spirit, His joy fills us. It is His personality and He dwells in us.

Heart questions:
Is God my joy and delight?

What about Jesus’ life…am I letting His joy impact my life?

Do I bring Jesus into my home with great excitement and joy like Zacchaeus did?

Am I yielded to the Holy Spirit so that the joy of His personality shows through?


Thank God for the joy only His presence can bring.