Day 6 of Finding Joy in the Journey
Psalm 1:2
Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the LORD, and they study it day and night.
The word study in Pslam 1:2 has also been translated “meditate.” הגה hâghâh (Strong’s Concordance) means to "to moan, mutter, muse, meditate, or mourn," neatly alliterating 5 M words in English and can also extend to "groaning and growling" as of a lion over its prey (Isaiah 31:4). But how does one study or meditate on the Law of the Lord?
From the Joyful Journey book:
If you grew up in a church where you were taught that God would only speak through the Bible, it can be very challenging for you to venture into writing down your impression of God outside of what the Bible says exactly. In this case feel free to write down the Bible verses as God's response to you. Afterwards, run a simple test by asking yourself, “Does this feel and sound and feel like Jesus is right here next to me, speaking to me? If your answer is “Yes,” then great. If your answer is “No” or “I am not sure,” read the verses aloud to yourself. Is Jesus right next to you personally speaking the Bible verses as God's tender and caring response to you? Afterwards, personalize and write the verses in a conversational way. See if this gives you a sense that God personally spoke to you…. The value of writing down God's written words in a conversational and personal way is to increase our attachment with God.
~ page 69, Joyful Journey, Wilder, Kang, Loppnow, Loppnow
Session A: Focus on joyful memories or drift back and celebrate moments of appreciation. Note how your body feels as you visit these memories: Can you catch yourself smiling, laughing? Are you relaxing?
Journal Prompt:
Joyful memories that occurred on the job:
Key Words:
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us find joy in obeying Your Law, and to study it, to study You – to meditate upon You and Your Word day and night. Amen.
I give everyone and everything to You God;
I give everyone and everything to You.
I invite you to meditate on Me as you read My word. I reveal My character through My Word.
Afternoon Session
Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
From the Joyful Journey book:
Immanuel journaling is a tool that helps us to remain in Him. As we have shared Immanuel journaling one-on-one, in small groups and at conferences, we have seen the Father use this tool to help people live knowing that we are in Christ and Christ is in us -- consciously growing in the awareness of God's presence. This gives us the capacity to love others because we know His love is continuously available. We can then take the energy we spent worrying and direct it to loving God, loving people and helping them know God. This becomes possible because we learn through experience that we are loved and will be taken care of by God.
~ page 8, Joyful Journey, Wilder, Kang, Loppnow, Loppnow
Session B: Remember, you can share your joy stories with others for your 5 minutes. It builds community and spreads the joy
Journal Prompt:
Joyful memories triggered by sounds or pictures:
Key Words:
Prayer
Knowing that Your precepts are right Lord, let them bring joy to my heart; let the purity of Your commands enlighten my eyes. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
Evening Session
Session C: Before your 5-minute window, take a moment to focus on gratitude toward God that He is always glad to be with us. Read the selection below. Then move into your joyful memories time. Finish with worship joy toward God.
From the Joyful Journey book:
Jesus, Immanuel (God with us), was born as a baby to live His life with people on Earth. Jesus shows us what it is like to live life with God. Bible scholars call this the “Immanuel principle of life.…” Sometimes we fail to enjoy living in an Immanuel reality due to a distorted perception of God's character. God reveals to us that He is a good God through His word and the life of Jesus. God is always glad to be with us.
~ pages 9-10, Joyful Journey, Wilder, Kang, Loppnow, Loppnow
Journal Prompt:
Joyful memories involving gifts:
Key Words:
Psalm 33:1-4
Sing for joy in the Lord, you who are right with Him. It is right for the pure in heart to praise Him. Give thanks to the Lord with harps. Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song. Play well with loud sounds of joy. For the Word of the Lord is right. He is faithful in all He does.
Prayer
I sing for joy, Father God, because I am right with You through Jesus. I praise You with the heart You purified by grace. If I could, I would give thanks with a harp or a ten-stringed lyre. I’d sing a new song and play as well as I could – joyfully. Instead let this be my “song of praise:…
[you’re on – worship the Lord with gladness!]