Summer of Joy - 20 Devotionals - Part 1
To Hear it Again is Joy - Christmas Devotional
Summer is here. Thank the Lord for the energizing heat, cool swimming spots, and time with family and friends! Below you will find a part one of a 20-day solo devotional plan. This Summer of Joy reading plan walks you through Bible passages that will teach you what true Joy in God looks like.
There is a free printable version of this devotional linked at the top of the page, with spaces to journal and take notes.
How to use this Devotional
You will need a journal (or your notes app), your Bible, and a favorite pen.
If you are in a group: Read the bible verses out loud together. Use the journal prompt as a discussion question.
If you are doing a solo devotional: Read through and complete the journalling prompts.
Suggested Reading Schedule
This reading plan was designed to be read twice a week for ten weeks. But you are welcome to read at whatever pace suits your summer.
Reading One - Prep Day
This first day of the devotions is a prep day. If you can, try to make space to have 15 minutes alone, in quiet. There will be other days where you are reading in the middle of the chaos of summer. But, giving yourself this first day to really reflect on God’s joy for this season will help you get the most out of your readings.
During this devotional series, we will be reading verses that talk about true Joy. As you are reading, highlight the source of joy in each passage. Or, if you prefer to journal, write down the portion of the passage that describes where joy comes from.
Some passages or translations might not include the word “joy”, even if they are talking about joy. Below is a list of other words you might see as you work through this reading:
delight
gladness
rejoice
triumph
➤ Read Psalm 51:12
Journal Prompt
How do you define joy?
What are your summer plans/what does this summer look like? How do you think reflecting on joy will impact your summer?
Write/Say a prayer over this devotion. Ask God to fill you up and draw you back to His Word. Ask God to teach you about how He sees joy. Lastly, pray over your summer plans and give them over to Him.
Reading Two
Read Nehemiah 8:1-12
Mini Overview: Nehemiah is the last book of history, chronologically, in the Old Testament. Nehemiah is a short book that records the rebuilding of Jerusalem after it’s destruction by Nebuchadnezzar. Before this, the Israelites had been exiled by God for rebelling.
Journal Prompt
Why do the people rejoice?
Reading Three
Read Luke 15:1-7
Mini Overview: Luke is located in the New Testament of your Bible. It is between the smallest Gospel, Mark, and the oldest Gospel, John. Luke was a Physician and was not Jewish like the other gospel writers.
Journal Prompt
Jesus does not directly answer the Pharisees’ question. What is the subtext in His answer?
Reading Four
Read John 16:16-24
Mini Overview: John is located in the New Testament of your Bible. In this passage Jesus is predicting his arrest and crucifixion.
Journal Prompt
What does Jesus say is the source of joy? And how do we receive it?
Reading Five
Read Romans 12:9-21
Mini Overview: In Romans, Paul is writing a letter to the church in Rome. He covers many theological debates, as well as laying the foundation for the Christian faith.
Journal Prompt
Who do you need to rejoice with this week? Or weep with? Who could benefit from your words in fellowship?
Reading Six
Read Psalm 30
Mini Overview: Psalms is located in the middle of your Bible, and is the largest book in the Bible. It is categorized as one of the books of wisdom. This Psalm is written by King David.
Journal Prompt
What does joy cause David to do?
Reading Seven
Read Isaiah 9:2-7
Mini Overview: Isaiah is in the Old Testament and contains more than 100 prophecies about Jesus. It is the first book of Major Prophets. It is found between the Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon) and Jeremiah.
Journal Prompt
Write out a prayer of gratitude for the physical needs that God has provided for.
Reading Eight
Read Habakkuk 3
Mini Overview: Habakkuk was written by Habakkuk in 608 BC. He was a prophet, whose writing sought to understand “why does God sometimes allowed sin to go unpunished”. And “why does God sometimes use ‘unholy’ people to punish the Israelites?”
Journal Prompt
Where does Habakkuk find his joy? And what does the joy come in spite of?
Reading Nine
Read Hebrews 12:1-3
Mini Overview: We do not know who the author of Hebrews is. It was written to Jews to explain Jesus’ eternal role of priest in our life.
Journal Prompt
In the light of Hebrews 12, what is the source of your joy?
Reading Ten
Read Psalm 118
Journal Prompt
Write out a prayer of praise to God about what He has made.
