Joy. It’s a good word. It’s a happy word. And it’s a word that is often confused with happiness. Of course, happiness is something we all know about, or at least something we all seem to be looking for. We rearrange our lives and drive ourselves to all kinds of extremes, all in the name of being happy. But happiness isn’t joy. Happiness relies on what we can see and how we feel, and those things change so easily that happiness often seems just out of reach.

Then there’s joy. Joy is what we’re promised in the Bible. We’re promised joy that is not dependent on circumstances or emotions but that is instead based in something real and solid and lasting. Joy is based in Christ, so it endures through situations and occasions, no matter how scary or hurtful or challenging they are. This joy tells us deep down in our darkest recesses that whatever happens, we have a baseline of peace. This joy may not always make sense to the world, but it is available to us. In this study, we’re calling this incredible joy Euphoria.

In our study of Euphoria, we will journey through the Book of Philippians to not only learn about joy but also learn how to choose joy. We will learn from Paul that Christ provides this joy to us but that we have to make the choice to accept it and live in it. We will learn how to see it, as we view our circumstances through God. We will learn how to be it, as we investigate living in a euphoric community. We will learn how to chase it, as we pursue Christ and chase movements of joy. And we’ll learn how to choose it, as we see that to rejoice is a choice. So make the choice to join us on this joy ride to and through Euphoria.

When I was a child, Joy was everywhere and it was easy. It was in a big cardboard box spaceship and a big cardboard box castle and a big cardboard box fire truck. I loved a big cardboard box. I loved “Battlestar Galactica.” (The old school one from 1978 with Dirk Benedict.) I loved to play Battlestar Galactica.

One day Starbuck (originally played by Dirk Benedict, now played by me) cautiously exited the couch spaceship to a mysterious and unexplored coffee table planet. It was awesome, but I wasn’t as cautious as I thought and ended up in the ER getting stitches in my head. (All in a day’s work for a Colonial Viper pilot.) But it didn’t matter – there still were endless possibilities for joy. (Besides, chicks dig scars.)

As a child, I lived in Euphoria. My laughter fueled my flying, and the farther I went, the farther I wanted to go (even with stitches). But now, as an adult, my spaceship big cardboard box has lost altitude. My castle big cardboard box doesn’t keep out the bad guys. My fire truck big cardboard box doesn’t put out fires. I started running on empty and slowly descended from Euphoria into Dysphoria, into un-joy.

My big cardboard box is too often nothing more than a big cardboard box. When did I forget how to laugh? Where have my endless possibilities gone? When did my circumstances start determining my possibilities? When did I start chasing Happiness, rather than enjoying Joy? Is there really something to a child-like faith? Where do I get one? How can I laugh again? How can I rise back to Euphoria?

Quick. Somebody bring me a box.

Master Teacher's Guide [ view sample ]
The Master Teacher's Guide is designed for use in large-group settings such as Wednesday night gatherings, combined Sunday School classes, summer camps, and other worship gatherings. It contains background information, explanation and application points, opening illustrations and stories, prompts for personal stories, and life-changing Turning Point activities.

Leader's Guide [ view sample ]
The Small Group Leaders Guide is perfect for use in Disciple Now settings, in-home small groups, individual Sunday School classes, and other settings with one leader and 10-15 students. It contains background information, explanation and application points, group activities, discussion questions, and life-changing Turning Point activities.

Gathering Tool
The Gathering Tool is designed to provide an opening illustration for groups that meet together in a large group before dividing into small groups or Sunday School classes. This will allow small groups to experience the series video and will add to the overall experience of going through the series.

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