Walking With Joy: An Advent StudySample

WHAT IS JOY?

The word Advent means “coming.” At Christmas, we remember and celebrate Jesus’ first coming, but we also look ahead with anticipation to the day when He will return at His second coming. This plan will help you focus on the JOY that the coming of Jesus brings to the story of your life.

We often confuse joy with happiness, but Wayne Grudem teaches us that the “fullness of joy is found in knowing God and delighting in the excellence of His character. To be in His presence, to enjoy fellowship with Him, is a greater blessing than anything that can be imagined.” Joy is not dependent on our emotions or our circumstances! There is real joy to be found in Christmas because Jesus has brought the presence of God to us.

Use this simple tool for a moment of silence and solitude.

1- Take 10 deep cleansing breaths – with each inhale, pray silently “Jesus,” and on the exhale, pray, “You are with me.”

2- Read Psalm 16:11 multiple times. Read until certain words or phrases feel like they’re being ‘highlighted’ for you. Ask God what he might be saying to you.

3- Pray those impressions back to God.

Take a Next Step: Pause and be mindful of the presence of God with you today, and walk in the joy of knowing He is with you.