Forrest Gump's mama said, "Life's like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're going to get!" And while that may be true, 2020 has turned into a big bite of cocoa powder. We had great hopes and expectations for this year, but in many ways, it has turned into a chalky, bitter disappointment. However, For King and Country's song "joy." reminds us that even in the midst of missed expectations, we can choose joy.     Let's consider what God's Word has to say on the matter on a journey from James to the Psalms to Romans. On this week's episode I discuss: Check out the official music video for this week's song below! Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Complete a word study Read in context Write out Scripture Make observations Write out Scripture in your own words Observe/Reflect/Respond The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Here's a link to the video I talked about at the top of the episode - YouTube Video Choosing joy with perspective - James 1:2-4 Word study on "consider" - hégeomai - BibleHub.com Finding joy in God's presence 1 Chronicles 16:27 Psalm 16:11 Psalm 28:7 (We soak in this Psalm on Episode 223) Galatians 5:22 Discovering joy through following God's ways Psalm 1:1-3 Psalm 19:8 Psalm 119:1-3 Reflecting on the relationship trials detailed in Romans 14 and 15 Focusing in on Romans 15:13 Observing God's role in joy and my role in joy Discovering that our joy is not only for ourselves   Additional Resources Lyrics and Chords Story Behind the Song "joy." by For King and Country - YouTube Video This Week's Challenge Read Romans 14 and 15. Contemplate the big relationship picture you see there. Write out Romans 15:13 in your own hand. Make some observations. Reflect on what you’ve learned and incorporate it into writing the verse out in your own words. Respond to what God is teaching you through your study…either in prayer, repentance, or action. And then as you encounter trials lead out with joy!