Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 2

Welcome
I’ve got the joy joy joy joy
Down in my heart
WHERE?!?
Down in my heart

If you weren’t already singing the Sunday School song about this week’s topic, well, you’re welcome. Joy, a seemingly simple emotion, can often be tricky to find and tough to hang onto. Religious types love to talk about how joy is more than just happiness. Joy carries a spiritual significance, and so, if we don’t have a ton of it, we can start to feel like a bad Christian. 

This week, you are invited to have an honest conversation about joy. Instead of judging ourselves for the joy we do or don’t have, let’s open ourselves up to the good all around us.

Opening Prayer
God of the journey, we continue to walk this Lenten path together. Thank you for giving us a group to go through the twists and turns with. Help us to remember that you don’t expect us to be perfect. Help us to keep showing up with engaged minds, open hearts, and hands ready to serve. Amen.

Ice Breaker
What is a little treat you love to give to yourself? Share something small that brings you a disproportionate amount of joy.

The Head
At the end of Jesus’ life there are plenty of difficult emotions, but one story features an explosion of joy. So much so that you may know it as the Triumphal Entry. When Jesus enters Jerusalem there is a party-like atmosphere. The crowd is overjoyed to see him. As you read and discuss this story, try to imagine what it would have been like to be present for this moment.

Luke 19:29-40

29 As Jesus came to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he gave two disciples a task. 30 He said, “Go into the village over there. When you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say, ‘Its master needs it.’” 32 Those who had been sent found it exactly as he had said.

33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”

34 They replied, “Its master needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their clothes on the colt, and lifted Jesus onto it. 36 As Jesus rode along, they spread their clothes on the road.

37 As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. 38 They said,

“Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
    Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.”

39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!”

40 He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”

• Imagine you are one of Jesus’ disciples in the story. How would you describe the thoughts and feelings that come with Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem? 
• Verse 37 says that the disciples began rejoicing because of all the mighty things they had seen. What are all of these things? Why was Jesus’ arrival such a big deal?
• Jesus says the stones would shout with joy if his disciples stopped. Where do you see examples of the natural world celebrating God’s glory? 

Later, in the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul gives us some instructions for cultivating joy. Jesus isn’t physically approaching us on a horse, but we have been given other ways of connecting with God and finding reasons for joy.

Philippians 4:4-7

4 Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! 5 Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. 7 Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

• What components of a joyful life does Paul list in this passage?
• Why do you think Paul commands readers to pursue joy instead of simply suggesting it? 

The Heart
Just as Jesus was facing dark days ahead, our world is full of reasons not to feel joyful. It might feel naive to pursue joy, but God wants us to remember that God is bigger than the problems of the world. If you have a complicated relationship with joy, you’re not alone. Still, God urges us to open our hearts to sources of joy.

• How would you describe the current joy levels in your life? 
• Reflect on the verses of Philippians 4:4-7 again. What factors do you think prevent you from experiencing regular, lasting joy?
• When Jesus arrives in Jerusalem his followers rejoice. How could you make your faith in God more of a source of joy? 

The Hands
Sometimes we don’t experience the joy God is offering us because we fail to notice the good things in our lives. Or we get too distracted with things we know won’t lead us to a joyful place. We don’t have to try to manufacture joy because God is at work all around us.

• How could you incorporate gratitude into your life more regularly? If you already have a gratitude practice, share what that looks like with the group.
• What changes to your daily or weekly rhythms could you make to cut the joy stealers (not just people) out of your life?
• Glimmers of joy can be small, but naming them can be powerful. Take turns naming recent glimmers of joy you have experienced. 

Closing Prayer
God, you are the one who created joy and through Jesus you experienced it just as we do. Be with us when we feel tired, numb, and beaten down by life’s challenges. Help us to remember that joy is worth fighting for. Give us eyes to see the glimmers of joy you are placing in our lives. We thank you for each and every one of those gifts. Amen.