Week 21: July 3-9
Joy in Our Homes
Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Laughter and enjoying good, wholesome fun as a family are important. This verse in proverbs reminds us that a joyful heart is not only good, but is like medicine. Recent studies have proven what God has already shown us in his word. Stress and burdens in life are roots of heart disease and a long list of other health problems. Joy in our hearts and in our homes is necessary.
Why are Christians stressed, burdened, and tense? Why do Christians carry the same stress load as a non-believer? Joy should come from a “Biblical” worldview of our circumstances. The “TRUE” meaning of Philippians 4:13 is that I can go through any circumstance - good or bad - because Christ strengthens me. We can be joyful because we believe Romans 8:28 - that all things work together for good and for God’s purposes. Christians, of all people, should be the least stressed and burdened by life. The lack of joy typically comes when we are focused on our goals, and not God’s goals. Stress creeps in when I’m trying to control an outcome and not leaving it to God’s wise plans. Stress is carried in many baskets that I can’t control.
As parents, we will teach our children by our actions how to be joyful or stressed! We should also make sure that our families are filled with joy and good times together. We can easily let the schedule and pace of life make home feel tense and not an enjoyable place to live. This is a very quick and easy attack for Satan to make on our children. “If this Christianity thing is real, why are your parents no different than the unsaved family next door.” “Your parents always tell you to trust God, but they sure don’t seem to trust Him.” Parents, we need to make sure Satan does not have this opportunity.
Finally, joy and fun in our homes will have a great by-product. A joyful home that has fun together will help build good relationships between parents and children. If parents are creating a joyful atmosphere and investing in the children through play and time together, the children will want to be around them! Don’t forget the old saying, “people don’t care how much you know, till they know how much you care!” So schedule in board game time, reading together, and rough-housing! Plan a night to play together outside. Go for a hike, go for a walk! Some of our homes need the medicine of joy and laughing together.
Pray Together
- Pray that God makes your home a place of joy.
- Pray that God will create an opportunity for a Gospel conversation this week.
- Pray that God will develop in you a heart of prayer and dependence on Him.