Whether you heard the message from Sunday or are part of one of our “What’s Next” groups at Venture, here’s a way for you to go deeper.
this week's next steps
This week's study
Rooted in Joy, Not Circumstance
Joy is not a fleeting emotion that rises and falls with our circumstances. It is a spiritual fruit, cultivated by the Holy Spirit within us as we remain closely connected to Jesus. Scripture tells us in Hebrews 12:2 that Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him”—not because the suffering was joyful, but because of the hope and redemption it would bring. True joy, then, is not found in ease or comfort, but in purpose, hope, and the presence of God.
This kind of joy is deeper than happiness. While happiness may come and go based on how life unfolds, joy remains anchored in something greater—it flows from knowing Christ and walking daily with Him. In John 15:11, Jesus promises that when we abide in Him, His joy will be in us, and our joy will be complete. This joy is not something we create through effort; it is the natural result of staying close in relationship to Jesus who fills us with His life and love.
Joy is not about avoiding sadness or pretending everything is okay. It is the quiet strength that holds us steady when things are not. It grows when we release control, surrender our lives to Jesus, and choose to trust Him in every season. Joy is found not in chasing a perfect life, but in living a surrendered one—deeply rooted in the presence and promises of God.
Joy is not a fleeting emotion that rises and falls with our circumstances. It is a spiritual fruit, cultivated by the Holy Spirit within us as we remain closely connected to Jesus. Scripture tells us in Hebrews 12:2 that Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him”—not because the suffering was joyful, but because of the hope and redemption it would bring. True joy, then, is not found in ease or comfort, but in purpose, hope, and the presence of God.
This kind of joy is deeper than happiness. While happiness may come and go based on how life unfolds, joy remains anchored in something greater—it flows from knowing Christ and walking daily with Him. In John 15:11, Jesus promises that when we abide in Him, His joy will be in us, and our joy will be complete. This joy is not something we create through effort; it is the natural result of staying close in relationship to Jesus who fills us with His life and love.
Joy is not about avoiding sadness or pretending everything is okay. It is the quiet strength that holds us steady when things are not. It grows when we release control, surrender our lives to Jesus, and choose to trust Him in every season. Joy is found not in chasing a perfect life, but in living a surrendered one—deeply rooted in the presence and promises of God.
Questions to Consider:
- What do you believe is the difference between happiness and joy?
- How have you seen joy show up in your life or someone else’s life during a difficult time?
- What does it look like in your daily life to remain closely connected to Jesus?
- What do you think it means to be filled with Christ’s joy? How would that change your perspective?
- Where do you feel invited to surrender more deeply to Jesus right now?
- How can you cultivate an awareness of God's presence this week to help joy take root in your heart?
- Would you like this formatted as a printable devotional sheet or shared as part of a small group guide?
Resources for Study:
Recommended Reading:
Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough by Kay Warren
Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis
Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge
Joy: Poet, Seeker, and the Woman Who Captivated C. S. Lewis by Abigail Santamaria
Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis
Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge
Joy: Poet, Seeker, and the Woman Who Captivated C. S. Lewis by Abigail Santamaria
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