Week Two: The Joy of Creation
Chapter 7 of A Little Book on Joy
Introduction to Week Three
Welcome to Redeemer’s Summer of Joy and to our theme for week three: The Joy of Creation.
We read this week in Proverbs 8 about the joy with which God created the world. We read in Psalm 8 about the joy of knowing our place in that creation. And we read in John 8 about the joy of knowing Jesus, who was with God when the world was created, and who is still with us today.
Proverbs 8, Psalm 8 and John 8. In the Bible, the number 8 is often associated with a new beginning, a new order or a new creation. This week we celebrate together the joy of God’s creation – especially the new creation of His joy in our hearts through Jesus Christ.
How to Use This Resource
Choose three days of the week to spend time with God using this resource. You can pick up each week’s printed copy at church or find it online at growsharecare.org/joy.
Each day’s devotion includes seven parts. Some are designed more for adults, and others for kids. Items marked with an asterisk* are primarily for families with kids.
Here are the seven parts included in each devotion:
- Read: Passages to look over in the Bible or a book
- Remember: A weekly verse to memorize
- Consider: Questions to think about and discuss
- Act: A suggested response to the day’s topic
- Discuss: Discussion-starters for the family
- Relate: A fun activity for the family
- Close: A closing prayer or hymn
May our Lord fill your summer with His joy!
Week Three Reading
Day One: Wisdom and Creation
Read
Read Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31.
Remember
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. – Psalm 19:1
Consider
- According to Proverbs 8, what are some ways God’s wisdom is showcased in creation? What are some ways you see His wisdom reflected in nature?
- In verse 30, what emotion is connected with wisdom? Why do you think that is?
- According to verse 31, how does God, in His wisdom, feel about you?
Apply
Find some way to delight in God’s creation today.
Discuss*
- What does it mean to be wise? What are some ways God shows that He is wise?
- Do you like making things? Do you think God likes making things too? How can you tell?
Relate*
Create a line drawing of something beautiful in God’s creation. Now close your eyes and draw the same picture. How is wisdom like drawing with eyes open?
Close
Read Proverbs 3:5-6 about what it means to trust in God’s wisdom instead of yours. Rephrase these verses to make them a prayer, and say them to the Lord.
Day Two: Humanity and Creation
Read
Read Psalm 8.
Remember
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. – Psalm 19:1
Consider
- What words describe some of your feelings when you look up at a clear night sky? Why might that experience cause some people to feel insignificant?
- Look again at Psalm 8:4. How do you think God would answer the Psalmist’s question?
- What is the greatest way God has crowned you with glory and honor (see Rom. 8:32)?
Apply
Make a list of 10 ways you see God’s majesty today.
Discuss*
- What do you think of when you see all the stars? How does it feel to know God loves you more than all the stars put together?
- What are some ways you take care of a pet? What are some ways you can help take care of our world?
Relate*
Play a game where each person names an animal that starts with the letter ‘A’. Keep going around until you can’t think of any more. Then do it with ‘B’, and so on.
Close
Pray Psalm 8:9 at least four times, emphasiz-ing a different word each time. Then thank Him for showing you His majesty.
Day Three: Jesus and Creation
Read
Read John 8:48–59.
Remember
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. – Psalm 19:1
Consider
- What are three implications of the title Jesus gives Himself in John 8:58 (see John 1:1-3, Ex. 6:13-14)?
- In John 8:51, what claim does Jesus make? How does His work in creation give Him the authority to say this (see John 1:4)?
Apply
Choose one way you will “keep Christ’s word” today.
Discuss*
- Is Jesus your friend? How do you know?
- Is Jesus God? What does that mean for you when you are scared or worried?
Relate*
Play a game of Simon Says. Remember that Jesus is in charge of everything!
Close
Read Rom. 6:4, then splash some water on your face. Remember your baptism, and thank Jesus for new life.
The topics and weekly readings are from A Little Book on Joy: The Secret of Living a Good News Life in a Bad News World, by Matthew C. Harrison, published 2011 by Concordia Publishing House.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bible, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.