Joy Challenge Bonus: Find a Bible study
I’d originally planned to only do 10 joy challenges, but I couldn’t help adding this one. Because this is the heart of this entire series – to dig into Scripture and discover the kind of joy that only God can provide through His presence and His promises. The enemy wants us to stay in this place where we’re striving and working to overcome our issues with jealousy on our own. But those are usually triggers for me to feel more jealous, not less.
If we truly want to overcome a legacy of jealousy we need to commit to a long-term joy journey. One that takes us through the pages of Scripture with other people, a journey that relies on grace and forgiveness and not just hard work.
Maybe your church or another local church is offering a Bible study right now that you can join- reach out and join! I know it can be scary, especially if it’s somewhere you’ve never been. But please consider it. Pray about it. Take a friend? Because this journey can’t stop after this month is over. I want you to discover the freedom that comes with living in the joy of who God made you to be – right in line with His will for your life. Not looking left or right to see what anyone else is doing but running with eyes straight ahead at the target God has set before you.
Or, maybe the churches around you are pausing their Bible studies for the holiday season. I get that – ours usually do around here. So maybe this would be a great time to invite some friends to join you for a low-key Bible study of your own. Grab an Advent study or a 6-week study to work through with friends, choosing to intentionally make the holidays a time of joy and not jealousy.
Here are some Bible study ideas you might consider:
Come, Lord Jesus: The Weight of Waiting by Kris Camealy
Famous in Heaven and at Home by Michelle Myers
Looking for Lovely by Annie F. Downs
Open Your Bible by She Reads Truth
Seamless by Angie Smith
Entrusted by Beth Moore
All Things New by Kelly Minter
Questions:
- When was the last time you joined a Bible study?
- How can being in the Word help you through times of jealousy?
- What makes you most nervous about joining a Bible study?
Crystal – this is such a wonderful suggestion! It is a way to be in touch with each other and helps to remind us that we are not alone in our situations or our emotions. I just recently completed an online book study for Lysa TerKeurst’s “Uninvited”. For those of us who have limited mobility or are unable to physically attend a group meeting because we reside in rural areas, an online bible study or book group may be a great option! Also, my local LifeWay store offers a free bible journaling class that has sparked my desire to reconnect with my bible. Getting together with others through this class has rekindled my interest in studying my bible. Thank you Crystal for your inspiring words. I look forward to reading your posts!