Finding Joy in the Right Now

KEY VERSES:

• Lamentations 3:22–23
• Psalm 118:24
• Psalm 46:10
• Psalm 23
• Matthew 6:25–34
• Ecclesiastes 3:1–13
• John 10:10
• Proverbs 28:1
• Philippians 4:11–13
• Mark 2:27

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Joy is deeper than happiness – Happiness depends on circumstances; joy is rooted in God and can’t be stolen by chaos (Joy in the Dirt series theme).
• Busyness can quietly steal joy – Always rushing to “what’s next” makes it hard to enjoy answered prayers and present blessings.
• God has good gifts for today – God’s mercies are new every morning, not someday in the future (Lamentations 3:22–23; Psalm 118:24).
• Sometimes joy isn’t buried—it’s nearby – We miss joy because we don’t slow down enough to notice it (Psalm 46:10).
• Worry distracts us from the present – Jesus reminds us to stop living in tomorrow’s stress and trust God with today (Matthew 6:25–34).
• Life has seasons we can’t control – Joy comes from embracing the moment, not fighting every season (Ecclesiastes 3:1–13).
• Three things that steal joy right now:
  • Life’s circumstances (things outside your control)
  • The enemy’s lies and distractions (John 10:10)
  • Your own choices when you ignore God’s way (Proverbs 28:1)
• Three practices that help joy grow:
  • Practice contentment (Philippians 4:11–13)
  • Slow down and rest regularly (Mark 2:27)
  • Practice stillness to remember who God is (Psalm 46:10)

TALK ABOUT IT:

• Where do you notice yourself constantly rushing to “what’s next”?
• What good things in your life are hard for you to enjoy fully?
• Which steals your joy more often—circumstances, worry, or your own choices?
• What does contentment look like for you in this season?
• How often do you truly rest without feeling guilty?
• What would slowing down actually cost you—and what might it give you?
• Where might God be inviting you to receive joy instead of chasing it?

APPLY IT:

• Pause and notice moments of joy you usually rush past.
• Practice gratitude for what’s good today, not just what’s coming next.
• Eat, rest, and work at a pace that allows you to actually enjoy life.
• Build regular rhythms of rest instead of glorifying exhaustion.
• Choose contentment over constant comparison and striving.
• Let go of worry about tomorrow and focus on what’s in front of you.
• Ask yourself what might be stealing your joy right now—and address it honestly.