JOY LAB

Session Four

Between now and your next meeting, use any of these ideas to launch you into a life of joy, encounter with God, laughter, deep faith, and celebration.

LIES AND THE TRUTH

Use a journal, a piece of paper, a document in your computer, or the space provided on the next page of this study guide. On the left side of the page write, “The Lies I Tell Myself,” and on the right side write, “What God Says About Me.” Then, list the lies as well as God’s truth that counters each lie.

God will speak to you and His Holy Spirit will help you with this exercise. You might want to ask Christian friends for great Bible passages that combat the lies you are facing. You can search through your Bible. You can even do a Google search or post the lie on social media and ask others to share truth from the Bible with you. Write these thoughts and the Bible passages on the right side of the page.

The Lies I Tell Myself: What God Says About Me:

What have you learned about how God’s truth combats lies and crushes them?

[Your Response Here]

COMBATTING NEGATIVE OR LIMITING THOUGHTS

Take time throughout the coming week to make a list of any negative or limiting thoughts that wander through your mind.

Use the “Mason jar” on the next page to collect these and honestly look at them.

Pray about each of these and invite God to speak His truth to you in a way that will overcome the negative with His powerful truth and love.

THERE IS POWER IN A NAME

Go to the website: www.mykairos.org/docs/kt/names_meanings.pdf

Look up your name. Then, write down the meaning, or meanings, of your name in the space provided below.

My name means: _______________________________

How does the meaning of your name fit who you believe you are?

[Your Response Here]

How does it fit who you believe God wants you to be?

[Your Response Here]

Finally, write down the meaning of your name on a post-it, on a mirror, or even on your arm so you will see it. If someone asks you why you have your name written in this place, tell them about the meaning of your name and who you know you are through the love and grace of Jesus. Throughout the week, thank God for your name and for how it affirms the identity He has given you.

ARTS AND CRAFTS TIME

Use a separate piece of paper, at least 8½ × 11 inches, preferably larger, to draw an outline of your hand.

Now, using bright colored markers, line the page with alternating colors. Start on the left edge of the page with a straight horizontal line to where your hand is and make little arches on top of the hand shape itself. Then, draw a straight horizontal line again to the edge of the right side of the paper. (See step-by-step examples at right.)

Before you know it, as you keep making lines in alternating colors your hand will look like a three-dimensional drawing.

Post your drawing somewhere that you will see it and let it be a reminder that God sees you as beautiful, colorful, vibrant, and attractive! And bring it with you to session five.

BE a full-on rebel and prove your lying list wrong! Tackle as many as you can one by one . . . every single day. When it gets tough, don’t be surprised. It means you’re close to a breakthrough. Keep at it and don’t give up!

FOR OVERACHIEVERS AND HOMEWORK LOVERS

The Bible teaches a lot about joy. If you want to explore some of the Bible’s teachings on joy and other topics from this session, consider reading the following chapters in the coming week.

Day 1: 2 Corinthians 5

Day 2: Ephesians 2

Day 3: Psalm 98

Day 4: John 3

Day 5: Isaiah 35

Note: If you want to read some stories and learn more about living with confidence in your identity in Jesus, check out chapters 6–8 of Candace’s book, Laugh It Up!