1. Joy, as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, exists because it is a contradiction for a Christian to be gloomy. See Rom.14:17, Phil.4:4, 1 Thess. 5:16, Luke 10:17-20. The point is, how can someone who has been saved from the consequences of his acts, who has been chosen by God, and who has been given a promise of an eternity of happiness, walk around in a bad mood?
 
1. How does a "joyful" person act? If joy is not mindless euphoria or silly giddiness, what is it? How can someone be "joyful" in the midst of persecution? or in the midst of a terrible ordeal? or deadly illness in himself or his loved ones?
2. Specifically, how does Jesus' resurrection and his promise of eternal life for believers actually define joy?
2. The purpose of the journal exercise is to examine various "stumbling blocks" to joy.
 
1. One of the most common stumbling blocks is sin, or a sinful attitude in our hearts. What are some common sins that can produce a grumpy disposition? Why don't we just confess and forsake such sins? Make a list of social and personal factors that produce and nurture grumpiness.
2. Another impediment to joy is misplaced confidence, meaning that we place our faith in ourselves or others, rather than in God. Often this leads to disappointment. In another way, this might mean that one should not find joy in accomplishments, even accomplishments done in God's name. (See Luke 10:17-20.) Agree? What should be the proper attitude to accomplishment? to failure?
3. Another impediment to joy is a need for a painless life, and a lack of willingness to undergo discipline and growth. Scott Peck in The Road Less Traveled says that all mental illness results in one way or another from a lack of willingness to undergo problems and the suffering inherent in them. Peck goes on to say that mental health requires four "techniques of suffering": delaying gratification, acceptance of responsibility, dedication to truth, and balancing. How does all of this relate to joy? Are Christians promised a life free from suffering? Does suffering exclude joy?
3. To a certain extent, a lack of joy might be attributable to a "half-empty" outlook on life. Contrast this with the admonition to "give thanks in all circumstances." Is there ever a circumstance, conditions so bleak, that there is nothing to be thankful for? How can someone cultivate a thankful disposition?

4/17/98