This “Returning to Joy” verse is found in Jesus’ conversation with the disciples the night of His arrest. They were in sorrow over His words about departure. Jesus Himself was in great sorrow that night (Matthew 26:38). But He faced that sorrow by connecting with His Father in prayer. That connection gave Jesus confidence knowing that His Father would take care of Him through the difficult events ahead of Him – all the way thorough the resurrection. That is why, for the joy set before Him, He could endure the cross.

From the Joyful Journey book:
Can you imagine how different life would be if we came to the place where we could confidently face all our troubles and trials without getting stuck because we are connected (attached) to our Father who shares this experience with us? This is what Jesus modeled for us over and over again.
~ page 37, 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.

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.

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

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.