Grand Theft Joy
We make decisions every day to either protect our joy or to allow the joy that God intends for us to be taken away. We allow our joy to be stolen by “Joy Thieves” when we don’t protect the joy God has given us through Jesus. There is one Joy Thief that is particularly relevant to us in Northern Virginia – busyness. If we aren’t careful, busyness steals joyfulness by keeping us from spending time with Jesus – the only source of true joy.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- Read and discuss 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. What does this tell you about God? About man?
- Read and discuss Luke 10:38-42. What do you note about the character of Christ? Why does he say that Mary “[chose] what is better”?
- What “joy thieves” do you deal with on a consistant basis?
- “Joy is being certain that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross will be enough to handle life.” Is this true? Is it realisitic? How can we appropriate this in our daily lives?
- What decisions are you making that allow your joy to be stolen? What decisions can you make to protect your joy?