STEP EIGHT
Find Your Fun and Favorite Activities
God created you like no one else. He knows all your hopes, your dreams, your fears—all the things that make you cry or laugh. He made you just the way you are so that you could enjoy him. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, he didn’t just want to save us from hell, or free us from guilt, or even forgive us and that’s that. He suffered and died and rose from the dead, “to bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18).
God promises to be with those who trust in Jesus—to never leave or forsake us (Matthew 28:20). He gave us his Holy Spirit—put himself inside of us! This means that wherever you go, and whatever you do, God is with you. He’s there, even though you can’t see him. How would your life change if you considered everything you do as happening with God?
He made you to enjoy specific things so that he could share those joys with you. He’s like the best of best friends—who is happy to be with you whatever you’re doing.
BIBLE STUDY
Psalm 139:15
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
(English Standard Version)
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
(English Standard Version)
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
(English Standard Version)
ACTION STEP
Take Step Eight
- What wholesome activity really brings you joy? Singing? Dancing? Skateboarding? Take a little time out of every day this week to do just that—something that brings you joy.
- Before you begin, pray and tell God you are doing it with and for him, and ask him to make his presence known to you.
- Consider listening to this podcast by Pastor Britt Merrick about how he finds joy in surfing, and sees this activity as a way to draw near to his Heavenly Father. Surfing was an activity that helps Britt heal from a tragedy in his own family.
BIBLES.NET RESOURCES
Find More Hope from God’s Word
When Your Parents Divorce
Few things are more painful. It’s only normal to feel broken. But there's hope held out to you in God's Word.
WATCH A DOCUMENTARY
“Show Me the Father”
Do you want something to watch on your next free evening? Everyone has a father story. Our view of our earthly dads often taints our view of God. Yet God wants to be our Father. This documentary tells an incredible story of redemption, but also helps you see from God’s Word how God desires to be your Father.
WATCH A MOVIE
“Overcomer”
Do you struggle with your identity? “Who am I?” The main characters in this movie ask the same question. This inspiring story will not only entertain you, but provide you with an answer to that question.
SONG EXPLANATION
Be Kind to Yourself
Hear what singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson learned about our Heavenly Father, and how it shaped his song, “Be Kind to Yourself.”
A PLAYLIST
FOR YOU
Ask your Heavenly Father to sing over you, as you listen.
We tried to pick something from every genre, so that you can choose the style you like best. These songs also are based on truths from the Bible, they’re not just these artists’ ideas about God. You can look up the songs however you like, or click the button at the end of the playlist to see the playlist on Spotify.
by Andrew Peterson | Folk
by Skye Peterson | Folk
by Jon Thurlow | Chill & Relaxing
by Leeland | Pop
by Mark Schultz | 70s, 80s, 90s
by Hillsong Worship | Praise & Worship
by Ellie Holcomb | Chill & Relaxing
by Keith and Kristyn Getty | Lullaby
by Clay Finnesand | Praise & Worship
by Andrew Peterson | Folk
by Phil Wickham | Pop
by The Worship Initiative | Praise & Worship