In this final episode of our Joy Full series, Amy and Aprile talk about the longing so many of us feel to either go back to the "good ole days" when things weren't so complicated or to fast forward to the next season, which we're convinced will be way easier and more fulfilling. This looking back and/or looking ahead can have a huge impact on our joy because it often blinds us to the goodness and faithfulness of God in the present.

In this conversation we hash out why we do this, how it affects us, and what we can do to overcome it. The exhortation of this episode is NOT to love the season you're in. (That's easy to say when life is going great, but let's be real - for many of us, it isn't.) The exhortation of this episode is to love the God who has ordained the season you're in; to trust that He's working ALL things, including the really hard things, for your ultimate good and His glory. We will experience joy to the extent that we trust our Good Shepherd to love and lead us faithfully.

Scriptures mentioned in this episode: Genesis 37-50 (the Joseph narrative); Exodus 16:3; Philippians 3:13-14; Romans 8:29 ; Philippians 1:6

Resources mentioned in this episode:

None Like Him by Jen Wilkin
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

Discussion Questions:
- When in your life have you felt really tempted to look back or ahead with a longing to escape your current season?
- What effect did this have on your joy in the present?
- How has being molded and refined to be more like Jesus proven to be a better prize than the ease and comfort we so deeply crave? What makes it better?
- What aspects of God's character are you clinging to the most in your present season?
- What are you most thankful for right now?

***SUMMER BOOK CLUB***
Starting on June 4th we are going to be reading and discussing Beth Moore's latest book Chasing Vines which is all about living a fruitful, meaningful life through abiding in Jesus. You can purchase a hard or Kindle copy by clicking here. No need to read any of it prior to the June 4th kick-off. We'll start chapter 1 after that episode.

If you would like more information about Bell Shoals Baptist Church, click here.

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