Light Has Found Us, “Joy in the Dark”
The following content can be used as a guide for TFH Groups.
The heart of a TFH Group is to care for people and carry the culture of The Father’s House.
You don’t have to follow the guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion. If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
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SERIES: Light Has Found Us
TITLE: Part 2 - Joy in the Dark
SPEAKER: Pastor CJ Cody
Scriptures—
Luke 2:8-20; Hebrews 12:1-3; Nehemiah 8:9-12
Summary—
Pastor CJ teaches that joy is a supernatural fruit of the Spirit, available even in our darkest seasons. Joy isn’t tied to circumstances; God often does His deepest work when everything feels bleak. Instead of waiting for life to improve before experiencing joy, we’re called to access it now by fixing our eyes on Jesus. Dark seasons are meant for development and purification, not destruction. Joy then becomes what sustains us in hardship, strengthens us when we feel weak, and propels us into God’s purposes. Pastor CJ ends by encouraging us not to remain stuck in grief but to move forward in obedience, recognizing that our breakthrough often impacts others as well.
Key Takeaways—
God works in dark seasons, using them for growth rather than destruction.
Joy is a Spirit-given fruit, not dependent on circumstances.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus is essential, especially when the enemy tries to use darkness to destroy us.
Joy sustains and strengthens us, giving hope and endurance in difficulty.
Joy propels us forward, helping us refuse grief’s grip and move into God’s purposes.
Hearing and obeying God keeps our joy alive, impacting both us and those connected to our journey.
Discussion Questions—
How does recognizing joy as a fruit of the Spirit rather than a product of circumstances shape the way you navigate difficult seasons?
Can you recall a time when a dark or painful season became a place of spiritual growth, showing that God develops us through what the enemy meant for destruction?
What does it look like practically to fix your eyes on Jesus as your source of joy, and how can you build this into your daily rhythms?
How do you discern the difference between God’s tough love—truth that helps you move forward—and bypassing or ignoring legitimate grief?
In what ways can intentional celebration, joy, and community serve as spiritual disciplines that strengthen you when you feel weak or discouraged?
What step of faith might God be calling you to take—one that fear, grief, or comfort has kept you from—and how could your obedience impact others connected to your journey?
Practical Application—
Identify one area where you're "stuck in grief" and take one small action to move forward (even if you have to "do it scared").
Create a "joy practice": Put on worship music, call a friend, bake cookies, decorate—something tangible that shifts your focus.
Write down a promise from God's word that you can stand on when circumstances look dark.
Closing Prayer—
Close your session by praying this prayer: "God, help us remember that You do Your best work in the dark. Give us joy that sustains, strengthens, and sends us forward. Help us fix our eyes on Jesus. Amen."
