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We are currently working through the study, Discovering Joy: Not Because Life is Perfect, but because God is Faithful. If you would like to join our study – awesome! We’d love to have you join us.

You have two options:

1. Pick up a copy of the journal at Amazon. Click here and follow along with us.

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If you have any questions, or need help email me at darlene@darleneschacht.net

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Hi ladies! I’m so excited to journey through Discovering Joy with you over the next 5 Weeks! Each week, we’ll explore three chapters from the book, focusing on finding our joy in Christ regardless of how imperfect the world is around us. To deepen our study, I’d love to invite you to join our Facebook group, Bible Studies by Time-Warp Wife. It’s a warm and welcoming space where we share our thoughts, encourage one another, and grow in faith as we prepare our hearts for the season. I can’t wait to see you there! ❤️

Click here to watch this video on Youtube

This week, we continue our study on joy—real joy. Not the kind that comes and goes depending on our circumstances, but the kind that stands firm no matter what life throws our way. And to do that, we’re looking at three keys to unlocking our joy: bearing the weight of discouragement, choosing growth over bitterness, and making room for God. But before we get into all that, I want us to pause and look at Jonah chapter 4.

Because, ladies, there’s something in Jonah’s story that hits close to home.

You probably know Jonah as the guy who got swallowed by a fish, but by the time we reach chapter 4, the story shifts. And in this moment, Jonah isn’t in the belly of a fish—he’s sitting outside a city, sulking. Frustrated. Angry that God had shown mercy to Nineveh.

And then, something happens.

The Bible tells us that God, in His kindness, provided a leafy plant to give Jonah shade, a little relief from the heat. And for a moment, Jonah was comfortable. But the next morning? God sent a worm to eat through the plant, and then He sent a scorching wind. And just like that, Jonah’s joy turned to despair.

Can we talk about that for a second?

Jonah was fine—happy, even—when things were going his way. When the shade was there, when the relief was present, when life felt good. But the moment his comfort disappeared, so did his joy. Sound familiar?

I’ve been thinking about that a lot this week—how easy it is to tie our joy to the things of this world.

Financial security.
The approval of others.
A thriving career.
The comfort of relationships.

These things offer comfort, a sense of security, like shade that shields us from heat. But what happens when they’re gone? If your joy is tied to what can be taken away, then your joy will always be at risk.

Paul warns us about this in 1 Timothy 6:17:

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

And James echoes it in James 1:11:

“For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.”

Do you see the connection?

Who provided the plant that gave Jonah shade?
And who sent the worm that destroyed it?
And who sent the wind that tested him?

It was all God.

God gave the blessing. And God tested Jonah’s heart.

Because true joy isn’t found in whether or not we have shade—it’s found in trusting the One who gives and takes away. Now, I know I’ve already included two Bible verses in this article, but I can’t resist sharing one more, because it’s such a powerful example of faithfulness.

When Job lost everything—his wealth, his family, his security—he didn’t turn away from God. Instead, he declared: ‘The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.’ (Job 1:21) That’s faith. That’s joy that isn’t tied to circumstances but rooted in trust.

Jonah’s mistake was that he delighted more in the plant than in the God who provided it. And when the plant was gone, his joy disappeared with it

But here’s the truth: When our joy is anchored in God’s faithfulness, we won’t be shaken. Not when the wind comes. Not when the shade disappears. Not when life doesn’t go as planned.

Because our joy isn’t in the shade.
Our joy is in the One who stands with us.

This Week’s Challenge

This week, plant your joy in God’s faithfulness by meditating on a verse that reminds you of His unchanging nature.

Week at a Glance

Would you like a printable copy of this schedule? If so, click here:

TUESDAY

Watch the Video – Visit Time-Warp Wife to watch this week’s video.
Read Chapter 10 in the study guide.
Begin the Study Guide Questions – Work through the reflection questions for Chapter 10
Check-in on the Community – Share encouragement in the Facebook group.

WEDNESDAY

Fill Out the “Thoughts and Jots” Page – Reflect on Chapter 10 and write down your personal thoughts, prayers, or takeaways.
Engage in the Facebook Group – Share one insight from your reflection and encourage someone else.

THURSDAY

Read Chapter 11 in the study guide.
Begin the Study Guide Questions – Work through the reflection questions for Chapter 11.

FRIDAY

Fill Out the “Thoughts and Jots” Page – Reflect on Chapter 11.
Read Darlene’s closing thoughts on the chapter at timewarpwife.com (or your inbox)
Share Your Reflection in the Facebook Group – How did this chapter speak to you?

SATURDAY

Read Chapter 12 in the study guide.
Begin the Study Guide Questions – Work through the questions for Chapter 12

SUNDAY (Day Off – Rest & Worship)

MONDAY

Fill Out the “Thoughts and Jots” Page – Reflect on Chapter 12.
Final Community Engagement – Share your closing thoughts for the week in the Facebook group.

This Week’s Bible Verse

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