Day 25 of Finding Joy in the Journey
Proverbs 15:23
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!
An “apt answer” can bring great joy – or relief – depending on the situation. An apt answer from God should also stir great joy in us. But how can we trust hearing from God? Consider this question the authors addressed in Joyful Journey:
From the Joyful Journey book:
Isn't Immanuel journaling putting words in God's mouth? I learned that only God can only speak through the Bible. Can I write down bible verses as God's responses?
In Immanuel journaling we can only be sure that we are writing our thoughts. The closer those thoughts come to God's thoughts, the more shalom exists. From Satan's temptation of Jesus (Mathew 4:1ff), we learn that not even quoting scripture will guarantee us God's thoughts. When we read scripture we also see its meaning through the thick glasses of what those words mean to us. If we limit what God can say to us through scripture, then God can never lead us to Boston (as an example) as Boston is not in any Bible texts.
~ page 69, Joyful Journey, Wilder, Kang, Loppnow, Loppnow
Session A: We continue revisiting joyful memories recorded on your Golden Moments list. Look for God’s presence in the joys. Invite Him to share thoughts about joys you’re recalling. Again, notice body sensations, attitudes, heart rate, etc.
Journal Prompt:
Practice seeing God in the present and past joys:
Key Words:
[Jesus] Remember when I told Satan, “Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God?” It is not just to feed you, but to encourage you and build you up in joy – together. Dig in.
Afternoon Session
Colossians 1:11
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.
With the Colossians, Paul is praying that followers of Jesus learn to handle life not in one’s own strength, but in the strength that God gives. His strength is a might that comes with glory and joy. Tuning into God rather than turning into ourselves is a much better plan, according to Paul.
[JJQ from Synchronizing our brain with God, Step two] This step (being heard) is focused on perceiving the fact that God hears all our thoughts. He is allowing us to experience being truly listened to instead of having us experience correction or teaching. In order to stay relationally connected, we must experience being heard.
~ page 39, Joyful Journey, Wilder, Kang, Loppnow, Loppnow
Session B: Thought Rhyming as Immanuel Journaling:
Take one or two of your joys from today (or your list) and envision God responding with one or two sentence “thoughts” in the following areas: I see, hear you, understand you, am glad to be with you, and can do something about your situation.
Journal Prompt:
I see you,
I hear you,
I understand you,
I am glad to be with you,
I and can do something about your situation.
Key Words:
[Jesus] It is Our desire to strengthen you with Our mighty power so that you don’t have to do things according to your own strength. We can help you live with joy as you learn endurance and patience under our Spirit’s leadership. Lean into your fellow disciples as well. That has been Our plan from the beginning.
Most of us know there is a gap between the level of joy. We experience and the level of joy we desire the good news. There are exercises included in this book that have a proven track record of helping people grow their joy.
~ page 178, The 4 Habits, Warner, Coursey
Evening Session
1 Samuel 2:1 (Hannah prayer)
My heart rejoices in the LORD;
my horn is lifted up by the LORD.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
From the Joyful Journey book:
Spiritual maturity grows when we develop the habit of creating space where we can reflect on our lives. Regularly practicing Immanuel journaling is asking one simple question, "Jesus, is there anything You want me to know about this situation?" As we attempt to listen, we are increasing our awareness of God's presence as His peace guides our lives.
~ pages 44-45, Joyful Journey, Wilder, Kang, Loppnow, Loppnow
Let Eli’s mother Hannah inspire your time of gratitude this evening. She rejoiced over being heard by God in prayer.
Session C: Reflecting with Interactive Gratitude:
Spend five minutes reflecting on the day or week.
Journal Prompt:
Journal a sentence about what you are grateful for and then write down how Jesus might respond.
Key Words:
Prayer
My heart rejoices in You LORD. My horn – a symbol of strength – is my connection to You LORD. My mouth boasts not in my strength but in Yours; I rejoice not in “my salvation,” but in “Your salvation.” I trust in You and not myself. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
The only way to overcome a bad habit is to build a good one to take its place in a sense. Life consists of the habits we develop so it is worth taking the time to do the exercises in this book in order to build habits that transform our lives from the inside out.
~ page 175, The 4 Habits, Warner, Coursey
I give everyone and everything to You God;
I give everyone and everything to You.