Day 2: Joy and Peace

Ready:

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.”  – Psalm 5:11 NLT

Set: 

Joy

Joy is a small, three-letter word that packs a massive punch. It’s a bubbling up of our spirit that we can’t help but showcase through a smile, a kind word, or a skip in our step. Deeper still, it’s an anchor that’s tied to God’s promise that He will never leave or forsake us. This unchanging truth gives us an eternal perspective that also directs us in the present as we go about our days. 

The world needs joy. As Christ’s ambassadors, we can be the messengers who bring joy to even the hardest circumstances. Look around. Where do you see a need for joy? Is there a cancelled or suspended season that has your team disappointed? Remind them there’s a bigger picture and look to the good that you can still connect through video calls, group chats, and Bible study. Did a teammate experience an injury that keeps her off the field? Send her a note of encouragement and tell her how much she is still part of the team. When it’s obvious we have deep joy, even the hardest challenges can be faced with hope in God.

Peace

How we respond to situations tell a lot about who we are. Are we full of peace, knowing God is in control? Are we living out of this peace, trusting God to make a way even if it looks impossible? God’s Word encourages us to infuse our mind, body, and spirit with a lasting peace that goes beyond the game. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… not when we remember to or just when we feel like it. Let the peace of Christ rule. This means full access and priority. 

In a world that gives us lots of reasons to worry, one thing is constant—Jesus is Lord of all. He is on His throne and watches each and every event unfold with unflinching eyes. Peace is the assurance that God is taking care of every detail and we don’t have to waste a second checking if He missed anything. If you need His peace to decide where to go to school or over worry at making the roster, allow Christ to fill your heart and share His peace with friends and family. 

Go:

1. What do joy and peace mean to you?

2. How do you find joy and peace in difficult circumstances?

3. In what ways can you spread peace and joy to your teammates?

Workout:

Isaiah 26:3; John 15:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Overtime:

“Lord, You are the God of joy and peace. You produce these fruits in us as we stay close to You and look for your Word and Spirit to transform our hearts. I want to be known as a person full of joy and the person whose peaceful spirit calms others. Guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus, through the grace He brings. Amen.”