I know the Lord calls us to be thankful at all times, to choose joy no matter what our surroundings or circumstances look like.
It’s not easy, but I get to choose whether I face the challenges, the frustrations, the disappointments of life with a joyful heart or a bitter one. Choosing joy requires a strength I don’t have, a reserve I can only find when I lean on God and allow Him to turn my resentment to rejoicing.
By Mary Carver, as published in Courageous Joy
We are loving hearing about the ways our new Bible study, Courageous Joy: Delight in God Through Every Season, has been impacting women everywhere, its message already deeply weaving its way into your hearts. We have seen and loved your selfies, underlined passages, shared quotes, and dog-eared pages as you dig deep to experience true joy right where you are.
So today, we’re highlighting a few of those stories from our community! Read on for the ways the Courageous Joy Bible Study has touched hearts (and scroll for info on our upcoming Online Bible Study — it’s not too late to join!):
I have to say I am floored. I’ve done other studies where there are just Scriptures broken up into different parts and then space for notes. That’s it. No real life application. No questions that encourage in-depth study. That is not the case with this study. Not only will you explore joy, but you’ll have real life, practical applications to help you understand and comprehend more. I highly encourage anyone who needs a little bit more “joy” (don’t we all) in their lives to pick up this study. You won’t regret it.
– Adrienne
I would give this book so many more stars if I were able. I am still in the process of going through this study. I find myself wanting to savor every moment and to read and re-read the rich text. The stories that provide an opening to the topic for each day are applicable to every stage of life. I am an empty nester and grandmother, but I find something to hold onto and to apply every day. And I see so much that would apply equally as well to my daughter and daughter-in-law who are raising babies and toddlers. I plan to gift them both with this wonderful study.
– Christina
See what we mean? Such wonderful testimonies about the way this study has woven its way into hearts and lives and has helped women find joy right where they are.
The Courageous Joy Bible Study, written by Mary Carver and featuring stories from the (in)courage community, is now available where books are sold, and we are so excited to hear how the heartfelt stories and biblical truth in Courageous Joy impact your heart. When you get your copy, snap a picture for Instagram, tag @incourage, and include #courageousjoy in your caption so we can share in the fun!
And join us for our upcoming Online Bible Study as we work our way through Courageous Joy together! Sign up for the Online Bible Study, and we’ll send you the first week of the Courageous Joy Bible Study for FREE so you can start reading right away! The study starts May 3rd, so it’s not too late to join (and we so hope you will). Let’s take a deep dive into what God says about joy!
Leave a Comment
Gail Mattox says
I would love to the book, but I am a senior citizen living on a fixed income, it’s hard to get extra, so if anyone buy the book for me and mail it to me, would be so thankful. I am a widow also a former First Lady. My husband was a pastor, in the ministry for forty plus years. But a senior pastor for 20 plus years. My address is Gail Mattox, 2200 Kerwin Rd. #411, University Heights, OH 44118
Lynn Magnsuon says
Did you ever receive a copy?
Mary Scott says
I would definitely be part of this study if it didn’t require me to use Facebook. Can you create an alternate approach for the next study?
Mary
Anna E. Rendell says
Hi Mary, We run the study via both Facebook and email! If you sign up you’ll receive the weekly email with the videos and quote of the week so you can participate. We hope you’ll join us!
Susan Geri Mccarthy says
Gail,
The book will be on its way to you! May you be blessed by this study.
Beth Williams says
In Courage,
This is the perfect study for just this time. So many people dealing with stressors & life challenges. It is hard to be joyful when all around you is sadness & hardship. God in His infinite wisdom knew we would need this now & gave Mary & the team the words we need to hear. There are so many relatable stories in there from each of you. One of the first things I loved is: “Joy emanates our of God’s unconditional & fierce love for us, while happiness can be fickle & fleeting. In other words Joy is a state of being rather than an emotion.”
Blessings 🙂
Marie Antoinette Ugo says
Thanks for this powerful word.As believers we need to realize that our joy is available in abundance from our heavenly Father,As we cast our cares upon Him, He infuses us with an abundance of strength.
Becky says
I am so looking forward to working through this book again as part of the online Bible study! You can never have too many reminders for being grateful, which leads to JOY!!