I’m in Texas celebrating with so many others the 50th Anniversary of Discipleship Unlimited, a prison ministry that has changed thousands of lives and set them truly free. Yesterday as one after another shared what God had done, I couldn’t stop crying. Their suffering was great, but oh the joy of their rescue! Terry Meeuswen, whom some of you know from the 700 Club, who is Linda Stom’s best friend (Linda and her husband founded Discipleship Unlimited) said DU has a special sauce that should go to prisons all over the world. Recidivism is down to 3% for women who have been bathed in this special sauce (the gospel) of His Holy Spirit. Here I am with 3 alumni of DU who have been set free, filled with joy and are going back into the prisons to share Christ.
The Holy Spirit gives a joy the world can never know.
J. B. Phillip’s paraphrase puts it like this:
Never far from death, yet here we are alive, always “going through it” yet never “going under”. We know sorrow, yet our joy is inextinguishable.
2 Corinthians 6:10-11
In John 16:16-24, the Lord uses the metaphor of a woman giving birth. Her sorrow is real but overridden when her baby is born. Keller takes us deeper into this metaphor in a way you will not forget.
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/infallible-joy/
I purchased the transcripts from Logos — they are rough, but may still be helpful to you.
Sunday:
1. For what are you particularly thankful this last week and why?
Monday: The Text
2. Read John 16:16-24
A. What does Jesus tell the disciples and how do they respond? (v. 16-18)
B. What additional light does Jesus give them in 19-20? What is He talking about at this point in His time on earth?
C. To what does He compare His crucifixion and resurrection? (verses 21-22)
D. Why does he say, in verse 23, “in that day you will ask nothing of me”?
Leon Morris says the atonement and resurrection will revolutionize their thinking. Questions will be answered and they will know they can approach God boldly and He will answer their prayers.
E. What does He promise in verse 24?
F. Give thanks for something you have been reminded of concerning your Lord.
Tuesday: The Spirit’s Joy is Inevitable
Listen or read until after Keller quotes 1 Peter and goes to his second point, that it is not just inevitable, but also not based on circumstances.
3. What stands out to you from this portion and why?
4. From the text, Keller says Jesus promises not just some of the disciples will have joy, but all of them will — therefore this joy is inevitable. How can you see that in the text?
5. Why is it that nothing can take away our joy? Give thanks for this.
Wednesday: The Spirit’s Joy is Not Based on Circumstances
Listen or read up til when he says the Christian’s joy is thoughtful.
6. What stands out to you and why?
7. Meditate on the metaphor the Lord gives on a woman giving birth and share everything you learn from it.
8. How is it that sorrow can actually push us into our joy? Give thanks for this.
Thursday: The Spirit’s Joy is Thoughtful
Listen or read up until Keller says the Spirit’s joy is powerful.
9. What stands out to you and why?
10. What does Keller mean when he calls the world’s peace as stupid but the Christian’s peace as thoughtful? How have you experienced this? Give thanks.
11. Apply what Keller says: “If you don’t have peace and joy you are not thinking.” Think about an area where you don’t have it, and think why you should. Share here.
Friday: The Spirit’s Joy is Powerful and Wonderful
Read or listen to the end.
12. What stands out to you and why?
13. What was his point about the man was angry because he’d been a good person but felt God had not answered his prayers as he would have liked.
God always gives you what you would have asked for if you knew everything He know.
14. Comment on the above.
15. How does Keller tie the woman’s hour in labor to Jesus’ “hour?” Thoughts? Give thanks for this.
Saturday:
16. What is your take-a-way and application for this passage? Give thanks.
101 comments
Sunday:
1. For what are you particularly thankful this last week and why?
I am especially thankful for how God has given me peace amid the turmoil of the election and the challenges at my workplace. The Holy Spirit has shown me what attempts I made to reach a solution and what God has so lovingly provided without effort on my part. And the more I saw His part, the more I have grasped His sovereignty, His grace, and His compassion for a weary child. He never disappoints, and despite my maneuverings, never has given me a hint of displeasure; only an assurance that He was with me and all will be well.
Dee, praying for a glorious day for you and those celebrating DU! God is amazing!
Thank you for sharing this, Bing. I need to remember His power in solving problems daily. Love this: And the more I saw His part, the more I have grasped His sovereignty, His grace, and His compassion for a weary child. He never disappoints, and despite my maneuverings, never has given me a hint of displeasure; only an assurance that He was with me and all will be well.
Thank you for sharing this. What a good reminder for me to look or what God is doing in my situation and that He doesn’t look at me with displeasure just with grace and compassion.
Sunday:
1. For what are you particularly thankful this last week and why?
—This past week we had four of our grandchildren staying with us while our son and his wife got away alone on a personal retreat. It is quite a bit of work having them (especially all the meal preparation and clean up) but I am thankful we can do it. It brings joy to be able to bless my son and his wife with a break and I am thankful for a great relationship with the two teenage boys who actually like being with us. In the evenings we played games together. It was a time of fun and laughter.
I am thankful for this opportunity because in a few months their family will be moving from our home town and having them 5 blocks away will come to an end. Our being together in the future will look different. So I am thankful for this time we have had together.
Bev, I read your comment after I had posted mine. It looks like we had a similar week. I hope that my grandkids will still enjoy spending time with us when they are teenagers.
What a great blessing, Bev. It will be hard to have them move away, but so great that they enjoy being with you and playing games together. Family is so important!
Such a sweet time. I am happy for you having that time together. ♥️
wonderful time, Bev, and precious memories to linger on!
1. For what are you particularly thankful this last week and why? My family. I had volunteered to have 7 of my grandkids, ages 22 months to 9, spend the night to give their parents a break. I started to regret the offer and wondered what I was getting myself into. As it turned out, everything went very smoothly and I was filled with gratitude that I have my kids and grandkids close by and that we all get along and I can enjoy these times with them. I am blessed.
Also. please pray for my youngest son Phil. He has a tumor in his sinus cavity and has to have it removed and tested.
Dawn,
What a sweet way to make some great memories. I know it was a lot of work, yet a great blessing.
I will be praying for your son, Phil. I pray that the tumor is benign.
Glad it went smoothly, Dawn.You were brave. Praying for Phil and you!
Wow Dawn, Those are very busy ages to have to care for and God bless you for blessing their parents with a break. Praying for your son’s needs in having the tumor removed and for good results.
Prayers for Phil and for the tumor to be benign.
Prayers all goes smoothly for Phil and it is benign.
Wow! I am impressed that you handled 7!! Prayers for Phil ♥️🙏.
1. For what are you particularly thankful this last week and why?
I am thankful for our community, my son, husband, and even Sarah (!) for helping to save our other son’s cat. What an ordeal! The money, the lack of sleep, and the uncertainty of it all. We rallied together and it came out ok!! Thank You Lord.
You have had a lot going on. Thanking the Lord for getting you all through it!
Oh Laura, Keeping you and your family in prayer. You have had so much. Trusting God to continue to care for you.
I have so much to be thankful for these past 12 weeks! I found a home in Rhode Island, near my daughter and her family. I put my home on the market, it sold quickly and both houses closed on October 16. We had all stopped looking for homes, as my granddaughter (whose parents live in Rhode Island) was getting married on October 13. Of course, that added all kinds of complications. 🙂 It was a series of roadblocks, stressful moments, leaving my other daughter in charge of the movers, with prayers, prayers and more prayers. God is SO GOOD. HE truly is the “way maker”. I loved Bing’s post, because I so relate to all that she said! I could not accomplish any of what took place, yet the Lord accomplished it all. Darcy and I flew, with my two shelties (in the cabin) to Nashville. I have never flown with dogs and was not sure how they would do, but they did great. My other daughter and granddaughter flew to Nashville for the wedding and returned to Seattle to close my home. My Montana son in law took care of some of the details there. My RI son in law has been amazing! He was in RI for the house closing, accepting my car and dealing with the movers…..my car was shipped and arrived the same day as all of my boxes. My son in law had my new home all set up for me to move in and he has been here daily helping me with many projects! The most wonderful part of all this was that my granddaughter and new grandson had a beautiful, Christ centered wedding. Their vows were meaningful and some that attended re-dedicated their lives to Jesus. My heart is full. This move is the most difficult thing I have ever done, but I am trusting our Father in heaven daily. I like the church my kids attend; the pastor is very Christ centered, so the messages are always meaningful. It is a small town, much more rural that where I lived, but it is kind and gentle. It is a quiet neighborhood with nice neighbors. Probably way too much information, but God needs to have the credit for every minute of all the answers to prayer!
Wow! Patti speaking of being busy….I am thankful you have had so many helpers and made it safely to the next chapter. You are so close to me now! Dogs in the cabin? How does that work? Did they sit in the seats? I bet that was funny to see 😄. Glad for all the parts coming together for you. And, selfishly, glad you are back here with us!
Patti, it is so wonderful to have you back, to hear how the Lord watched over you through your family, and that the wedding was so beautiful and full of power and hope.
Patti, It is a delight to have you back here on the blog. We really missed you. Thank you for sharing the update of all that has happened in your world in these recent months. What praise to God for what He did for you and blessings on your family in how they helped meet your many needs.
Patti, love that you are back here with us! I know it has been quite the journey both literally and spiritually. God is good to us, indeed!
Oh Patti, I’m so glad God’s hand was in all of this. What a bittersweet time for you but knowing God had you in His arms the whole time is such a blessing.
I just love how God is evident in the details of this big move for you, dear one! Even the shelties are safely home with you. I love how your family has rallied around you and will continue to make sure you are okay. What a super sweet story and so encouraging to my own heart. You’re on the same coast as me, at least!
Monday: The Text
What a beautiful picture of you Dee with the gals from your weekend. Joy is apparent in each of your faces.
2. Read John 16:16-24
A. What does Jesus tell the disciples and how do they respond? (v. 16-18)
—“Jesus told them “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.” They questioned what He meant by that statement and said they just didn’t understand.
B. What additional light does Jesus give them in 19-20? What is He talking about at this point in His time on earth?
—He enlarged on the fact that what was going to happen to him would cause them deep grief but that suddenly their grief would turn into joy.
His death and resurrection were eminent at that point in time.
C. To what does He compare His crucifixion and resurrection? (verses 21-22)
—Labor pains and then birth for a woman.
D. Why does he say, in verse 23, “in that day you will ask nothing of me”?
—Because in the coming time they would see and understand and they wouldn’t need to ask. Jesus was going to open the way to God the Father for them personally by his death and resurrection.
E. What does He promise in verse 24?
—He promises abundant joy.
F. Give thanks for something you have been reminded of concerning your Lord.
—Joy is a natural result in my relationship with Jesus. I don’t cause joy in my life. He does. I can’t create it in my own soul. It is there because of Him.
“Joy to the World! The Lord is come!”
Thank you Jesus for coming into this World. Thank you for your death and resurrection which bought my salvation on the Cross and thank you for the joy that is mine because of your coming.
Monday: The Text
2. Read John 16:16-24
A. What does Jesus tell the disciples and how do they respond? (v. 16-18)
Jesus told them in a little while they wouldn’t see him and then after a little while would see him again. The disciples were confused and maybe fearful.
B. What additional light does Jesus give them in 19-20? What is He talking about at this point in His time on earth?
That they will be weeping while the world rejoices. But their grief will turn to joy. He is talking about His crucifixion.
C. To what does He compare His crucifixion and resurrection? (verses 21-22)
The pain of giving birth to a baby but when the baby comes, she forgets the anguish because of her joy at seeing the child who was born.
D. Why does he say, in verse 23, “in that day you will ask nothing of me”?
Leon Morris says the atonement and resurrection will revolutionize their thinking. Questions will be answered and they will know they can approach God boldly and He will answer their prayers.
Their eyes will be opened to the truth and what Jesu is saying now will start making sense to them and will increase their capacities to ask God about anything and believe that their prayers will be answered according to His will.
E. What does He promise in verse 24?
To be free to ask and that in asking they will be receiving.
F. Give thanks for something you have been reminded of concerning your Lord.
Thank you, Lord, for your promise of joy through the presence of the Holy Spirit. For these words, you left for believers to read and to hold on to. All the worldly griefs I have will turn to joy in eternity but can turn to joy in the present as well
Sunday:
1. For what are you particularly thankful this last week and why? – I’m thankful to live in a country that I can freely proclaim that Jesus is Lord without fear of being harmed. Thank you, Lord, for your unconditional love for ALL.
Amen, Julie.
Monday: The Text
2. Read John 16:16-24
A. What does Jesus tell the disciples and how do they respond? (v. 16-18) – Jesus says “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” The disciples are confused at what they are saying and repeat again what Jesus said to them to each other.
B. What additional light does Jesus give them in 19-20? What is He talking about at this point in His time on earth? – Jesus knew what they were asking themselves and told them that they would weep and lament, but the world would rejoice and that their sorrow will turn into joy. Jesus was talking about his death on the cross and his resurrection.
C. To what does He compare His crucifixion and resurrection? (verses 21-22) – He compares it to a woman getting ready to give birth. The unknown is hard and makes you anxious, but afterward the joy of seeing your child makes you forget all you were apprehensive about before. So the same is true for the disciples, they have been with Jesus for so long and now he is speaking about leaving them. They are unsure of what this means and what will happen so they are anxious about his statement. The unknown is always a bit scary.
D. Why does he say, in verse 23, “in that day you will ask nothing of me”? – My note in the ESV version says that they will understand and because the Holy Spirit will be present to guide them into all the truths. So instantly, their eyes will be open, and all the unknowns will be made known to all that Jesus had been telling them.
Leon Morris says the atonement and resurrection will revolutionize their thinking. Questions will be answered and they will know they can approach God boldly and He will answer their prayers. – Love this. I never realized it was instant that we had the Holy Spirit. I was led to believe as a new Christian that I had to act and receive him, but this seems like the Holy Spirit is mine to have because of the sacrifice of Christ. I’m thinking since I am a child of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are mine from the start. The only thing I need to do is have a relationship with Christ and the Holy Spirit is a gift from Him to me.
E. What does He promise in verse 24? – That if they ask, they will receive, and their joy will be full.
F. Give thanks for something you have been reminded of concerning your Lord. – I’m thankful that the Lord has my journey planned out and my obedience to that plan will bring me to a life in eternity with Jesus. I don’t have to worry about what will happen, He is in control of me and all He has created.
A. What does Jesus tell the disciples and how do they respond? (v. 16-18) In a little while you’ll see me no more then after a little while you will see me They didn’t understand what He was saying and questioned among themselves what He meant da
B. What additional light does Jesus give them in 19-20? What is He talking about at this point in His time on earth? They will weep and mourn while the world rejoices, but their grief will turn to joy.
C. To what does He compare His crucifixion and resurrection? (verses 21-22) a woman giving birth Once she has given birth she forgets her anguish because of the joy of the child
D. Why does he say, in verse 23, “in that day you will ask nothing of me”? Because the Father will give them whatever they ask for in Jesus name
Leon Morris says the atonement and resurrection will revolutionize their thinking. Questions will be answered and they will know they can approach God boldly and He will answer their prayers.
E. What does He promise in verse 24? Ask in my name and your joy will be complete
F. Give thanks for something you have been reminded of concerning your Lord. Lord, how wonderful You are and have been to me. Thank You for Your Presence and that even in my sin and mistakes You beckon me closer.
From Judy:
Thank You for Your Presence and that even in my sin and mistakes You beckon me closer.
2. Read John 16:16-24
A. What does Jesus tell the disciples and how do they respond? (v. 16-18)
He says they will not see Him in a little while. They say they don’t understand.
B. What additional light does Jesus give them in 19-20? What is He talking about at this point in His time on earth?
He alludes to them seeing Him either resurrected or in heaven. It will happen soon for them.
C. To what does He compare His crucifixion and resurrection? (verses 21-22)
Child birth!
D. Why does he say, in verse 23, “in that day you will ask nothing of me”?
I suppose it means that they are then connected to the Father through Him?
On D, I think it is just that the resurrection answers all doubts.
E. What does He promise in verse 24?
If they ask they ask, they will have abundant joy.
F. Give thanks for something you have been reminded of concerning your Lord.
I am thankful for the times when I needed guidance and He was there via the Holy Spirit. I look back in my life now and know.
3. What stands out to you from this portion and why?
I find it interesting that we will have joy, yet we will also have tribulation at the same time. It seems contradictory.
4. From the text, Keller says Jesus promises not just some of the disciples will have joy, but all of them will — therefore this joy is inevitable. How can you see that in the text?
He speaks of the world rejoicing.
5. Why is it that nothing can take away our joy? Give thanks for this.
Our joy is a deep seated one. It is not joy that comes and goes. Thank You Lord, for joy. To know that I will be with you, in the end, makes the life on this earth easier to bear.
From Laura:
Our joy is a deep seated one. It is not joy that comes and goes. Thank You Lord, for joy. To know that I will be with you, in the end, makes the life on this earth easier to bear.
Tuesday: The Spirit’s Joy is Inevitable
Listen or read until after Keller quotes 1 Peter and goes to his second point, that it is not just inevitable, but also not based on circumstances.
3. What stands out to you from this portion and why?
—The reality that joy is in a born again believer who knows Jesus and loves God. He is saying because of the presence of the Holy Spirit it is innate in our being or as Keller says inevitable. This stands out to me because it is biblical and because I have observed it in the lives of other believers and I have experienced it in myself.
4. From the text, Keller says Jesus promises not just some of the disciples will have joy, but all of them will — therefore this joy is inevitable. How can you see that in the text?
—In John 15:11 Jesus says plainly they will have joy from him and it will be full and complete joy. And in chapter 16 he gives the illustration of the pain in labor but how joy comes and overshadows the pain when birth is accomplished. And so it is with the disciples after their sorrow joy will come from seeing and having Him again and it will be an abundant joy that no one can rob them of.
5. Why is it that nothing can take away our joy? Give thanks for this.
—Because it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and when we accept Jesus into our lives as our Lord and Savior he comes and dwells in us and never leaves.
—Precious Holy Spirit, I thank you for the wonderful and special work of grace you do in my life by your love and presence. My need is deep and only You can meet it but I am often blessed to find you meet it abundantly. By your power you bring peace and joy I can’t even explain even in and especially in times of hurt and struggle. Your very Presence comforts me often and I am eternally grateful to Jesus for coming to earth and dying on the Cross for my sin and being resurrected and bringing me new life. Thank you for the joy of knowing You!
Tuesday: The Spirit’s Joy is Inevitable
Listen or read until after Keller quotes 1 Peter and goes to his second point, that it is not just inevitable, but also not based on circumstances.
3. What stands out to you from this portion and why? – If we know Jesus, we know the Holy Spirit, so joy is ours to grasp on to. It’s not just for some believers, it’s for all of us. And even if something bad comes our way, the joy is still there. It may be under all the muck, but if we work hard at getting rid of all the muck, our joy will resurface to the top. Just like Jesus who will never leave us, His joy in us will never leave us either. We have to make a point to keep it at the top.
4. From the text, Keller says Jesus promises not just some of the disciples will have joy, but all of them will — therefore this joy is inevitable. How can you see that in the text? – The unspeakable joy comes to all believers. It’s not anything we have to work for, it’s given to us. The scripture that Tim Keller mentions John 15:11 ‘I give you my joy’; Romans 14, ‘The kingdom of God is joy in the Holy Spirit.’ As Christians, we have joy from Jesus and the Holy Spirit and because we are an heir to Christ, we are in the kingdom of God. Joy is God’s gift to us, free of charge, whoever believes in Him has it in their hearts.
5. Why is it that nothing can take away our joy? Give thanks for this. – Joy is not from being happy, or because we are having fun. The joy that is given to us from God is just there, all the time. It’s hard to even explain, especially to someone who doesn’t know Jesus. To me, this Godly joy is like a body part I was given at creation so it’s a deep part of me. Lord, thank you that your joy will never leave me even though it can be pushed down, it’s still there. Your joy in me does not have an expiration date, it’s all mine to use at all times. Help me Lord to always pull my joy up to the top surface no matter what is going on. Thank you that your joy can overpower my grief and sorrow in time and can even walk beside my sorrow, so I don’t ever miss out on the joy you are showing me in my grief. You are such a loving God, thank you for my joy. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Thank you for this heartfelt and lovely prayer, Julie: Lord, thank you that your joy will never leave me even though it can be pushed down, it’s still there. Your joy in me does not have an expiration date, it’s all mine to use at all times. Help me Lord to always pull my joy up to the top surface no matter what is going on. Thank you that your joy can overpower my grief and sorrow in time and can even walk beside my sorrow, so I don’t ever miss out on the joy you are showing me in my grief. You are such a loving God, thank you for my joy. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Even in our sorrow, He walks beside us and gives us a deep joy that we cannot explain.
I agree Patti — that was soo good from Julie!
Listen or read until after Keller quotes 1 Peter and goes to his second point, that it is not just inevitable, but also not based on circumstances.
3. What stands out to you from this portion and why? The joy Christ gives can never be extinguished. It will come back and reassert itself. Joy is what I need. Some days are rainy and I don’t want my life to be a rainy view I want my outlook to be sunny and to be seen through eyes of joy that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit give
4. From the text, Keller says Jesus promises not just some of the disciples will have joy, but all of them will — therefore this joy is inevitable. How can you see that in the text?I will see you again and you will rejoice and no one will take away your joy.
5. Why is it that nothing can take away our joy? Give thanks for this. We have the joy of the resurrection of Jesus. Our sins are paid for in full and we will spend eternity in His Presence. Thank You, Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit for all You do and have done. Thank You for the hope and future I have in You. No one including the devil’s scheming can take this from me. Thank You I am held firmly on Your hand,
Your prayer about not wanting your view to be rainy is good — reminds me of the proverb about a cheerful spirit lifting the heart but a broken one drying up the bones.
This is so good Judy Some days are rainy and I don’t want my life to be a rainy view I want my outlook to be sunny and to be seen through eyes of joy that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit give
Amen, Judy! How I pray to have the joy of Jesus! I pray that I will not allow any darkness that comes into my life to override the Joy that only Jesus can give. Joy is infectious, in a good way. It draws other to the Father. Darkness is void of joy and it is one reason that I love to pray the Praise Psalms.
Tuesday: The Spirit’s Joy is Inevitable
Listen or read until after Keller quotes 1 Peter and goes to his second point, that it is not just inevitable, but also not based on circumstances.
3. What stands out to you from this portion and why?
We may be deep in sorrow, but our joy remains inextinguishable (15 letters!). It can be diminished but will always come back.
4. From the text, Keller says Jesus promises not just some of the disciples will have joy, but all of them will — therefore this joy is inevitable. How can you see that in the text?
I Peter 1:8 “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,”
The word, “you” refers to all believers. Inevitable joy is a product of my loving and believing in Jesus.
5. Why is it that nothing can take away our joy? Give thanks for this.
Through Christ’s death, I am the recipient of the Holy Spirit’s gift. With Him comes His fruit, and one of them is joy. Since the Holy Spirit dwells in me as a true believer, his joy never leaves, and it is always there, ready to be tapped into!
Thank you, God, for your joy that is always with me.
Bing what a great reminder Through Christ’s death, I am the recipient of the Holy Spirit’s gift. With Him comes His fruit, and one of them is joy. Since the Holy Spirit dwells in me as a true believer, his joy never leaves, and it is always there, ready to be tapped into!
Wednesday: The Spirit’s Joy is Not Based on Circumstances
Listen or read up til when he says the Christian’s joy is thoughtful.
6. What stands out to you and why?
—Worldly joy or happiness is dependent on circumstances and will be extinguished by bad circumstances or sorrow. But Christian joy stands the test of time through sorrow. Because of the Holy Spirit and God’s presence in a life nothing can take away a believer’s core of joy.
7. Meditate on the metaphor the Lord gives on a woman giving birth and share everything you learn from it.
—Having experienced labor and giving birth 4 times by natural childbirth the metaphor is poignant for me personally. I truly identify with being at that point of when each one was delivered and great joy being experienced. And even though I felt like I had been through the mill and though stitches were being administered my focus was totally on my child. I do remember being in labor with my 2nd one and thinking in my mind “I don’t ever want you to do this again!” But I did and interestingly with the two last births my husband and his only sister who was an RN were able to be in labor and delivery with me. The joy at that moment of those births were enhanced by their presence.
8. How is it that sorrow can actually push us into our joy? Give thanks for this.
—Because Christian joy has its source in God and is not based on the circumstances of this world. When sorrow comes into a believer’s life there is a solid and secure place to go to find comfort. The circumstances of the world all are fleeting and will go away or come to an end. But God is eternal and is life itself. He is an unending source of love, joy, peace and hope. So when there is pain in our lives we can lean into him and find comfort and find that nothing else can rob us of the joy we have in him.
—Thank you Father for this deep and wonderful truth that You and you alone are my source of joy. I thank you for the trials that have driven me to your heart and where I have found you to be completely faithful in my troubles. Thank you for the wonderful security of Who you are and what you have done in saving my soul so that I can experience joy in spite of life’s difficulties.
Your second delivery surely is a good picture of Jesus’ metaphor.
Wednesday: The Spirit’s Joy is Not Based on Circumstances
Listen or read up till when he says the Christian’s joy is thoughtful.
6. What stands out to you and why? – Our circumstances cannot wipe our joy away. What I saw in this section is that the circumstances we have in our life’s journey will push a Christian toward Jesus. If God and His Kingdom are joy, and we are heir to Christ and belong in the Kingdom where Joy is always waiting, then when we are grieving or having issues that push us to a point of crying out to God, that is where are joy will come and push our sorrows to the side. Joy will overflow in abundance. We can’t sit in our sorrow, if we do, our unspeakable Joy will not surface, it will stay dampened down beneath the grief and sorrow.
7. Meditate on the metaphor the Lord gives on a woman giving birth and share everything you learn from it. – the pain during childbirth is real and is felt from the mother, but once the baby is born, the pain does not immediately go away. The difference at this point is the joy and love the mother feels for her child is so much more powerful than the pain from the birth. Like Jesus, his love for his children outweighed the pain and suffering he did on the cross for us. He would do anything for his children, no matter the cost, which was given to us as parents when He created us.
8. How is it that sorrow can actually push us into our joy? Give thanks for this. – Oh, this was so good. The Kingdom of God is joy, and when we grieve, our first thoughts should be to run to the Father in the Kingdom where the Joy is just waiting for us to grab a hold of. Thank you, Lord, for your unspeakable joy. It’s so hard to explain why we have joy in sorrow to someone who doesn’t know you. Help me Lord to always run to you at the first signs of trouble so my joy can be filled to overflowing in my heart and push down the sorrow. Help me to have the words to say to those who don’t understand that there is Joy in sorrow. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Listen or read up til when he says the Christian’s joy is thoughtful.
6. What stands out to you and why? That a woman who has given birth still has pain but the joy of the baby makes the pain fade as she focuses on the child
7. Meditate on the metaphor the Lord gives on a woman giving birth and share everything you learn from it. That it would have been tougher cruder circumstances then so the birth would have been more painful but the joy of holding her child would cause the pain to be secondary. I need to turn to Jesus who came to make my joy complete and make Him my focus and not the circumstances that trouble me
8. How is it that sorrow can actually push us into our joy? Give thanks for this. We turn to God in our desperation. Thank You God that You are always near. Thank You that You stay close even when my life or mind wanders. You are here to call on. Help me call to You in joy and sorrow and let You have the rightful place on my heart. In Jesus name.
3. What stands out to you from this portion and why?
I’m thinking of our own painful situation here. I’m asking myself am I a joyful person underneath it all? Keller speaks of people who appear joyful on the surface but are miserable inside. I know I’m supposed to be joyful as a Christian. I think for me, it’s more about faithful, not joyful. I will never give up on God. Am I happy about this life? Not always. Do I know God has “it?” Yes, mostly. That’s what gets me through. His love for me and me not understanding the circumstances. Job. Definitely Job.
4. From the text, Keller says Jesus promises not just some of the disciples will have joy, but all of them will — therefore this joy is inevitable. How can you see that in the text?
He refers to all of them as “you.”
5. Why is it that nothing can take away our joy? Give thanks for this.
His comments on joy not being taken away remind me of one of those candles on a birthday cake that can’t be extinguished! You blow them out and they keep relighting! Too funny. Our daughter, to this day, still loves putting them on a cake and surprising the recipient. Keller says the joy may be attacked and smothered (my words) but it will never be extinguished fully.
Oh, I get this Laura! And I love your honesty! ” Am I happy about this life? Not always. Do I know God has “it?” Yes, mostly. That’s what gets me through. His love for me and me not understanding the circumstances. Job. Definitely Job.”
Laura — having been gone for a week I’m a bit out of it. Has something been decided with your grands? Sorry if I missed it.
Not yet. It’s the constant back and forth between us, Sarah, and the court. We are trying to honor the court by following the orders and then we look like the bad guys. Our court system is flawed these days. Long story. It won’t be settled until after the first of the year. The GAL visited our house; she hadn’t seen the kids since they were babies. It was a good visit. I felt sorry for Sarah. She has no ability to “jump in” and show that she can be a mom (somewhat). That’s the hard part. No matter what is decided someone will be hurt, mostly the kids. It makes me sad.
Will just keep praying!
Oh, Laura. I have been praying for you and your whole family. This is so heartbreaking. I think of you and this situation so often. People, even family members, can twist the truth and cause so much pain. I know it is so so hard on you and your husband.
Laura, I just love your honesty and open heart that you reveal here to us. Thank you for sharing your heart. Hugs and prayers to you in all that you are facing.
2. Read John 16:16-24
A. What does Jesus tell the disciples and how do they respond? (v. 16-18)
Jesus tells the disciples that they will not long see Him, and then in a while will see Him. They did not know that they would experience His death followed by His resurrection.
B. What additional light does Jesus give them in 19-20? What is He talking about at this point in His time on earth?
Jesus is talking about them grieving at His death, but the world would rejoice at His resurrection because His death and resurrection would lead to eternal life for all who believe in Him.
C. To what does He compare His crucifixion and resurrection? (verses 21-22)
Jesus compares His death and resurrection to the pain of labor, followed by the joy of the birth of a new life.
D. Why does he say, in verse 23, “in that day you will ask nothing of me”?
I have always found this verse a bit confusing, but I like this explanation that we will then approach the Father directly, in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Leon Morris says the atonement and resurrection will revolutionize their thinking. Questions will be answered and they will know they can approach God boldly and He will answer their prayers.
E. What does He promise in verse 24?
He promises that our joy will be full. I love that it is an unconditional joy that is underlying our soul. It is a deep joy of knowing that He is true to His Word. He will be the underpinnings of our being, in earthly joy and earthly sorrow. Staying in His Word fills my soul with His joy and helps me to see His perspective on my own life. It is about what I can do to glorify Him, not about my “earthly” happiness. It is a deeper, more profound joy than words can express.
F. Give thanks for something you have been reminded of concerning your Lord.
I love and pray the 23rd Psalm nearly every day. These words remind me that He is with me daily. Dear Lord, How I treasure my time with You. I thank you for giving me life and I pray that I can live each day for You. Thank you for being with me in my joy, as well as my sorrow. How I praise You. I see You in the morning sunrise, in the joy of meeting new friends, in the quiet and challenging times when I feel so alone. Yet, I know that You are there with me. You have made my path straight, in spite of my rabbit trails to find happy moments. Help me to stay focused on You first in my life. Be my all, my Father, my husband, my friend. Thank you for my daughters and their husbands, who have been so loving and kind in all the ways they have helped me transition to this new and, often, scary adventure. How I love You and Praise. In Your Name, I pray to finish this race well and with great joy.
Patti, So blessed by your prayer. 💕
So good to have you back, Patti. There was a hole without you.
Thank you, Dee. I have missed you all so much. There has been a void in my days without each of the dear friends on this blog. I love how the Lord has woven our lives together, even though we are far apart in distance. How I love each of you and so appreciate the godly wisdom and friendship here. I keep playing CeCe Winan’s “The Goodness of God” and I think of the godly goodness we have together here.
Do you know that my Grace knows the entire 23rd Psalm??? Maybe I will record her 😏!
Love this, Laura. How old are your grands now?
They are 7 (Grace) and 9 (Cooper). So sweet. I love third grade boys; they are fun.
Thursday: The Spirit’s Joy is Thoughtful
Listen or read up until Keller says the Spirit’s joy is powerful.
9. What stands out to you and why?
—Keller points out these comments. “We’re a child and He’s the Father … Jesus never talks about prayer without calling God Father.”
“When you come in prayer to God, always realize He’s your Father!”
This reiteration by Keller to remind us of the fact that because of Jesus we have a Father / child relationship with God. He states that “He loves you as if you were Jesus Christ!” What a wonderful thought and reality.
His point is that part of the joy of a Christian is that it comes prayerfully. There is great value in our praying in our association with Jesus and it contributes to our joy. Keller said in it we have infinite confidence. What deep and wonderful truths.
10. What does Keller mean when he calls the world’s peace as stupid but the Christian’s peace as thoughtful? How have you experienced this? Give thanks.
—Stupid Peace doesn’t think but has a world view that ignores the truths of God and what is truly meaningful. Christian peace and joy comes from seeing Jesus. I remembered these verses from Philippians 4:8-9 NLT
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
11. Apply what Keller says: “If you don’t have peace and joy you are not thinking.” Think about an area where you don’t have it, and think why you should. Share here.
—It seems to me that there is always a battle for the mind going on. When I let my thoughts go down unwanted and worrisome paths it affects my peace and joy. I often struggle to have “the mind of Christ” but I am learning a very important key to the battle rests with the Scriptures and my knowledge of God’s word and repeating it to myself. I need much more of Him and less of me.
So true from Bev.
—It seems to me that there is always a battle for the mind going on. When I let my thoughts go down unwanted and worrisome paths it affects my peace and joy. I often struggle to have “the mind of Christ” but I am learning a very important key to the battle rests with the Scriptures and my knowledge of God’s word and repeating it to myself. I need much more of Him and less of me.
Thank you, Bev, for this…—It seems to me that there is always a battle for the mind going on. When I let my thoughts go down unwanted and worrisome paths it affects my peace and joy. I often struggle to have “the mind of Christ” but I am learning a very important key to the battle rests with the Scriptures and my knowledge of God’s word and repeating it to myself. I need much more of Him and less of me.
Amen to Dee and Julie, Bev. This is so so true. I so appreciate your wise words!
Thursday: The Spirit’s Joy is Thoughtful
Listen or read up until Keller says the Spirit’s joy is powerful.
9. What stands out to you and why? – Oh, my goodness! WOW, what an eye opener on praying in the name of Jesus. A great explanation on how to think about my prayers and how God answers them. If His answer is not what I wanted, it’s not because he doesn’t love me or he didn’t hear me, it’s because He knows, more than I do, what the real need is that I have. To have the mindset of knowing all that God knows would ease and even erase the disappointment in not getting the answer that I wanted.
10. What does Keller mean when he calls the world’s peace as stupid but the Christian’s peace as thoughtful? How have you experienced this? Give thanks. – I had to go back and read this again, but what I think it is saying, is that when we as Christians think about all God and Jesus have done for us, we will be so amazed and overwhelmed with gratefulness that our sorrow or grief, now in comparison to what Jesus did, is nothing. We will have filled our hearts and mind up with ALL the goodness of God, how he loves us, how he chose us as His, that our sorrow, though it hurts, will be so deep in our souls that joy will burst out in our sorrow. I’m going to say I have experienced this kind of joy, but I couldn’t pinpoint one specific thing. It’s just when I feel a peace in my heart, when others would think I shouldn’t have that peace and joy. It’s unexplainable. Lord, thank you. You have planned my life out from my first breath and though I may not have known it, and didn’t completely follow you, you never gave up on me. You have opened my eyes to who you are and who I am in You. And because of your patience and love, I have finally found the joy that is deep down in my soul and can only come from knowing you. I feel sad for those who don’t have the joy I have, help me Lord to know how to show them that unexplainable joy only you can provide. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
11. Apply what Keller says: “If you don’t have peace and joy, you are not thinking.” Think about an area where you don’t have it and think why you should. Share here. – The area that dampens down my true joy is my attitude. I get frustrated with people and situations that come about, when I need to just step back and pray about how to handle it, I need a pause button in my brain. I need to be able to push that button and really think about what is bothering me about the situation at that time and if it’s worth my joy being suppressed. Lord, I need your help here in a big way. Help me to find and push that pause button. I want that deep down soul wrenching joy that you can give me, and that will only come if I stop and THINK! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
We all need that pause button! Good analogy.
Julie, I really appreciate your thoughts here. 💕
Wednesday: The Spirit’s Joy is Not Based on Circumstances
Listen or read up til when he says the Christian’s joy is thoughtful.
6. What stands out to you and why?
Circumstances are fleeting and so is the chasing after Happy. I once read that ” Happy ” moves when we get to the circumstances that we consider to bring us happiness, “Happy” moves.
7. Meditate on the metaphor the Lord gives on a woman giving birth and share everything you learn from it.
She forgets her pain because of the joy that the baby’s birth brings. She is still in pain but the joy overpowers the “thoughts” of the pain.
8. How is it that sorrow can actually push us into our joy? Give thanks for this.
I believe when I am sorrowful, I need to look into the joy that is before me, not perhaps, in the present but that which I can look forward to. The joy of Heaven pushes my sorrow into it. To think that this world is not there is all to it makes suffering at present easier to bear. Joy can intermingle with sorrow. My parents and younger sister sister are now all in Heaven; some days their memories bring tears to my eyes but the joy of seeing them again in Heaven has brought consolation.
I think also of Jesus, my Savior and He brings me joy during times of sorrow.
Thursday: The Spirit’s Joy is Thoughtful
Listen or read up until Keller says the Spirit’s joy is powerful.
9. What stands out to you and why?
Our joy is supported by rational thinking based on the truth revealed to us in the Scriptures.
10. What does Keller mean when he calls the world’s peace as stupid but the Christian’s peace as thoughtful? How have you experienced this? Give thanks.
The world’s peace does not make sense therefore it is stupid-turning off your mind. God’s peace is based on rational thinking and the truth as expressed in God’s Word. You use your reason until you are satisfied so Christian peace is thoughtful.
11. Apply what Keller says: “If you don’t have peace and joy you are not thinking.” Think about an area where you don’t have it, and think why you should. Share here.
When I hit a brick wall because things don’t make sense, I am robbed of my peace and joy. But when I think of the truth of God’s Word, God gives me a different perspective of my situation and His joy and peace come. But I need to discipline my thinking to believe what God says is true. I think of Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may be able to discern God’s will, what is acceptable and pleasing in His sight.”
Thank you for this, Bing. Love this scripture too! When I hit a brick wall because things don’t make sense, I am robbed of my peace and joy. But when I think of the truth of God’s Word, God gives me a different perspective of my situation and His joy and peace come. But I need to discipline my thinking to believe what God says is true.
10. What does Keller mean when he calls the world’s peace as stupid but the Christian’s peace as thoughtful? How have you experienced this? Give thanks. Christian peac is thoughtful because there is an understanding of are peace comes from God and Jesus. We know God is in control and we are His children. Christ intercedes for us. I thank You God that I can let go of things. I can’t control the political realm, world situations, what happens in my neighborhood or in my family I thank You for being in control and You hold me close and I can take refuge under Your wing. In Jesus name.
11. Apply what Keller says: “If you don’t have peace and joy you are not thinking.” Think about an area where you don’t have it, and think why you should. Share here. Sometimes I get anxious about the future, how I get through the holidays, decisions that I now have to make on my own, I need to remember I am never alone, God will lead and guide me,
Good prayer and application.
Thank you for the beautiful prayer, Judy.
Friday: The Spirit’s Joy is Powerful and Wonderful
Read or listen to the end.
12. What stands out to you and why?
—That Jesus had all the joy of Heaven before coming to earth in the flesh but He lacked one joy and that was us. I have never forgotten this truth since first hearing it from Paige Brown. And I have never looked at the verse Hebrews 12:2 the same since then where it says for the joy set before him he endured the Cross. We were that joy. Keller enlarged on that for me in that because of that our joy is complete because Jesus is our joy. And it is a joy that cannot be taken away.
13. What was his point about the man was angry because he’d been a good person but felt God had not answered his prayers as he would have liked.
God always gives you what you would have asked for if you knew everything He know.
14. Comment on the above.
—The man’s complaint was that he had all these credentials that he was giving for himself thinking that he was being a good Christian and God should answer his prayers because of that. But in reality the man was coming to God in his own name when the only ground we have to come to God and ask anything is in the name of Jesus and on the basis of what He did for us in dying on the Cross.
Keller said to pray in Jesus name means two things. “it means to pray with deep humility and with infinite confidence” We come to God in prayer in a position of humility only asking things of Him because of Jesus. And we come to God in prayer in confidence asking things of Him who is now our Father because of Jesus.
15. How does Keller tie the woman’s hour in labor to Jesus’ “hour?” Thoughts? Give thanks for this.
—When a woman enters into labor her hour has come to give herself to delivering her child. It is only through her going through that hour (time) of pain that a new life is born and comes into the world. But with Jesus his hour (time) of pain and suffering it required him giving his very life to bring about new life for us his children.
—Thank you Jesus for willingly going through the pain and suffering of taking on sin and death so that I might be born again to new life. An eternal life with You where joy is the centerpiece of our relationship. You having me as your joy and me having you as mine. The circle of joy is complete. All because of the Cross.
Thank You!
Oh, Bev! I love this entire post! Thank you! Love this:“it means to pray with deep humility and with infinite confidence” We come to God in prayer in a position of humility only asking things of Him because of Jesus. And we come to God in prayer in confidence asking things of Him who is now our Father because of Jesus.
I agree with Patti!
6. What stands out to you and why?
I love Keller’s statement that Christian joy goes into the sorrow to keep it from going bad. I have felt such extreme pain and sorrow this year that I have had moments where I could have been consumed by it, yet the Lord has been there to remind me that He is Sovereign. He has His ways and they are the Best ways. I need to stay in His Word and see the wonder, glory and joy that He is giving daily, in spite of the pain. I see all that some of you have endured this year; yet He has your hearts and has given you the strength. We cannot see the answer when we are in the middle, but later we will have clarity, as we TRUST Him. I have felt it and it is beyond logic. I need to live in WONDER of HIM and all that He can do, even though I am in the middle.
7. Meditate on the metaphor the Lord gives on a woman giving birth and share everything you learn from it.
It is not a superficial joy, but a joy that overwhelms the memory of the pain. How I pray to see that clearly. The love for a child is beyond our comprehension, until we experience it. We love, even knowing that this beautiful baby could someday cause pain. Lord, I need to always know that the pain I am experiencing is the same as that birth pain, and after the birth it is not remembered because of the extreme joy! I also love Keller’s reference to “salt” on the meat. The circumstance cannot get rid of the Joy form Jesus.
8. How is it that sorrow can actually push us into our joy? Give thanks for this.
The sorrow is darkness and we need to live in the Light to receive the joy. Seeking Jesus in His Word and in fellowship, brings light to my world. He is the Light and He is the big picture. The sorrow is temporary and I pray for the light to shine on each of us who is experiencing a darkness or an unanswered prayer. Lord, help us each to see you through the unanswered prayer. Lord give us the courage to have joy and fellowship with you every moment. Our Praise of you, Lord, drives out the darkness of pain.
Patti, I did not mean to write my reply to you in big letters! Ugh. I am not sure why that happened.
What you endured this year was actually beyond imagination — like torture. So this is such an amazing testimony from you to encourage us all.
“We cannot see the answer when we are in the middle, but later we will have clarity, as we TRUST Him.”
This is such an important point of truth. Trusting Him. I have been challenged by Psalm 91:2 NLT where it says “This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.”
This just showed up on my phone this morning from Brandon Robbins: “When you walk in the Light, darkness will always try to find you. But the enemy has no power over a child of God clothed in spiritual armor.”
Friday: The Spirit’s Joy is Powerful and Wonderful
Read or listen to the end.
12. What stands out to you and why?
Oh, the wonder of Jesus’ love for me! May I not lose sight of it!
13. What was his point about the man was angry because he’d been a good person but felt God had not answered his prayers as he would have liked.
He was praying in his name and not Jesus’ name.
God always gives you what you would have asked for if you knew everything He know.
14. Comment on the above.
God is sovereign and He is good. If I were to know what God knows, my supplications would be different as His goodness will guide them. My prayers should include “let your good will be done”; not as I will, because what you give is always for my good.
15. How does Keller tie the woman’s hour in labor to Jesus’ “hour?” Thoughts? Give thanks for this.
This is powerful! I have only gone into labor for a few hours and, therefore, have not experienced its full extent. But Keller’s metaphor of Jesus’ hour to that which He lovingly surrendered to is because of the joy set before Him- that is, us!
For the woman, her pain is forgotten from the labor pangs, because of the birth of her child. Oh, how much Jesus loves us that He willingly went through His hour so He can have each of us!
I love coming here in the morning and hearing from each of you.
I am doing a zoom retreat today — they have watched some of the videos from Idol Lies and read the book — and I just answer questions by zoom. Would love your prayers for the women and me. Thank you!
Praying! Sounds fun 😉🙏🙏🙏
Praying for you and the women at your retreat. May the Lord be with you, dear Dee. May He speak to the hearts and souls of the ladies at your retreat. I will be praying today.
Yes, Will pray 🙏🏻
Oh, how fun! Yes, I’m praying for you and the women. I love your book “Idol Lies!”
Thank you all for your prayers — not being there in person it was a bit harder to gauge response, but I think it went well. I do so appreciate your prayers. I wondered if it was overload for them for they watched all 9 videos, has me do the 10th lesson by zoom and then take questions. But that was how they wanted to do it. It was a smaller group — maybe 60 women.
6. What stands out to you and why?
I have never thought about joy and sorrow co-existing! So interesting. that you can have both at the same time and that the sorrow brings the joy. Hmmm.
7. Meditate on the metaphor the Lord gives on a woman giving birth and share everything you learn from it.
It is true that you forget the pain after the baby is born. But your body is still in the process of giving birth and you are distracted from that because of your baby! I had a c-section, then a “v-back,” then a natural birth (no drugs!). The last was the best, in that I felt it all. Yet, right after the baby coming out I was playing cards, talking on the phone, etc. and not even aware of my pain anymore.
8. How is it that sorrow can actually push us into our joy? Give thanks for this.
With joy, it can exist with sorrow. The sorrow makes us move to Jesus and that is joy. Thank You Lord, for always being with me no matter what. My sorrow may be great but my joy will be greater than that because I know You. Amen.
I think that co-existing is such a good point. Keller says with the world you either have joy or sorrow for it is completely based on circumstance as they have no hope.
A fun, wake up song that goes along with this weeks study!
https://open.spotify.com/track/33q4ENIRByGmdKeRWoIfSm?si=b9Lz5IatTpW7o9O5__MLOA&context=spotify%3Asearch%3Amy%2Bfeet%2Bare%2Bon%2Bthe%2Brock
Great song Laura! Thanks for sharing 😊
Saturday:
16. What is your take-a-way and application for this passage? Give thanks.
—As I look back on my blog notes from this week it is the fact that joy is inevitable that stands out to me. It is a reality that joy is in a born again believer who knows Jesus and loves God. Keller said because of the presence of the Holy Spirit joy is inevitable.
Joy is a natural result in my relationship with Jesus. I don’t cause joy in my life. He does. I can’t create it in my own soul. It is there because of Him. He is what makes joy infallible.
—Thank you Jesus for being my infallible source of joy. I am reminded of my deep need of You and the importance of keeping my focus on you as I walk through this world of sin and troubles. But in You I am blessed, encouraged and given joy in my soul by the power and presence of your Holy Spirit. I love you and thank you for meeting my hearts deepest needs.
Isn’t that a hopeful truth — that joy is inevitable?
Saturday:
16. What is your take-a-way and application for this passage? Give thanks.
My takeaway this week is that my joy is inevitable because Jesus made it possible for me. May I comprehend this joy every day. Thank you, Lord, for this joy no one can take away. Your joy is infallible, and I give you my praise.