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The Joy Challenge: Discover the Ancient Secret to Experiencing Worry-Defeating, Circumstance-Defying Happiness
What if you could close the "joy gap," that distance between how you feel now and the way you wish you felt? In The Joy Challenge, pastor and bestselling author Randy Frazee shares the secret to experiencing real, lasting joy--and stepping into a life of contentment and purpose.
If this sounds familiar, Frazee has good news for you. In The Joy Challenge, he shares the secret to experiencing genuine joyfulness, the kind of resilient happiness that doesn't evaporate in the face of challenges and setbacks. Bringing together research about the science of happiness with the apostle Paul's masterclass on joy in the book of Philippians, The Joy Challenge will help you
discover the vital link between increasing your joy and winning the battle against worry and anxiety;develop patterns and mindsets of gratefulness and forgiveness that clear obstacles to happiness; andaccess the kind of circumstance-defying contentment that opens the door to a truly fulfilled life--even when there’s a gap between the life you have now and the life you hope for.
As you encounter these easy-to-understand principles, thought patterns, and habits, you'll begin to experience more joy and happiness, transforming your relationships and your outlook for the better. It's time to discover the freedom of a deeply joyful life.
If this sounds familiar, Frazee has good news for you. In The Joy Challenge, he shares the secret to experiencing genuine joyfulness, the kind of resilient happiness that doesn't evaporate in the face of challenges and setbacks. Bringing together research about the science of happiness with the apostle Paul's masterclass on joy in the book of Philippians, The Joy Challenge will help you
discover the vital link between increasing your joy and winning the battle against worry and anxiety;develop patterns and mindsets of gratefulness and forgiveness that clear obstacles to happiness; andaccess the kind of circumstance-defying contentment that opens the door to a truly fulfilled life--even when there’s a gap between the life you have now and the life you hope for.
As you encounter these easy-to-understand principles, thought patterns, and habits, you'll begin to experience more joy and happiness, transforming your relationships and your outlook for the better. It's time to discover the freedom of a deeply joyful life.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2024
37 people are currently reading
3850 people want to read
About the author
Randy Frazee
111 books78 followersRandy Frazee is the lead teaching pastor at Westside Family Church in Kansas City. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, and a leader and innovator in Bible engagement, spiritual formation and biblical community. Randy is the architect of The Story and BELIEVE church engagement campaigns as well as the author of His Mighty Strength; Think, Act, Be Like Jesus; What Happens After You Die; The Connecting Church; Making Room for Life; and the coauthor of Real Simplicity with his wife of 40 years, Rozanne.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 2, 2024
For the month of June I joined @mommaleighellensbooknook and a wonderful group of ladies to read The Joy Challenge by Randy Frazee. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I thought to myself, “I could use a little extra joy!” 😏
Basically, it’s a closer look at the book of Philippians and what Paul had to say about joy.
The book is broken up into 4 parts as follows:
1. Joy Despite Your Circumstances
2. Joy Despite People
3. Joy Despite Your Past
4. Joy That Defeats Worry
Between each of these parts are principles that are taught for 25 days. At the end or close of each principle there is a “joy challenge” to carry out. They all vary but usually include memorizing, journaling, reflecting, praying, and actions to carry out.
Mr. Frazee says, “Paul uses the word joy in its various forms 16 times in this letter. The word he chose to express our English idea for joy in the Greek is chara (pronounced “khar-ah). People who have chara possess an inner sense of contentment (“it is well with my soul, in spite of what is going on outside”) and a purpose in their life (“I know why I am here and what I am to do”). I don’t know about you, but that is precisely what I want.” He also calls Paul the “Joy Theologian” and reminds us Paul was in prison when he penned this letter on joy. Amazing!
Biblically sound, full of wisdom and even science, Mr. Frazee also includes personal experiences from his life— making it easy to read and relatable. It’s much like sitting down with a seasoned in the Lord mentor. He makes the Bible come alive (I loved the section on Epaphroditus) through his excellent teaching and communication and I see joy in such a new light now. 🙌
Did I ever love this book! 👏 It was exactly what I needed and when I needed it. It’s definitely a top read of the year for me and I’d recommend anyone read this, there is something for all!
Basically, it’s a closer look at the book of Philippians and what Paul had to say about joy.
The book is broken up into 4 parts as follows:
1. Joy Despite Your Circumstances
2. Joy Despite People
3. Joy Despite Your Past
4. Joy That Defeats Worry
Between each of these parts are principles that are taught for 25 days. At the end or close of each principle there is a “joy challenge” to carry out. They all vary but usually include memorizing, journaling, reflecting, praying, and actions to carry out.
Mr. Frazee says, “Paul uses the word joy in its various forms 16 times in this letter. The word he chose to express our English idea for joy in the Greek is chara (pronounced “khar-ah). People who have chara possess an inner sense of contentment (“it is well with my soul, in spite of what is going on outside”) and a purpose in their life (“I know why I am here and what I am to do”). I don’t know about you, but that is precisely what I want.” He also calls Paul the “Joy Theologian” and reminds us Paul was in prison when he penned this letter on joy. Amazing!
Biblically sound, full of wisdom and even science, Mr. Frazee also includes personal experiences from his life— making it easy to read and relatable. It’s much like sitting down with a seasoned in the Lord mentor. He makes the Bible come alive (I loved the section on Epaphroditus) through his excellent teaching and communication and I see joy in such a new light now. 🙌
Did I ever love this book! 👏 It was exactly what I needed and when I needed it. It’s definitely a top read of the year for me and I’d recommend anyone read this, there is something for all!
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June 28, 2024“Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it”
“The secret to our independence is our dependence on God, pure and simple”
This book takes us on a deep dive through the book of Philippians. Randy uses scripture memorization and daily Bible reading to remind us that it is possible to have joy in all circumstances.
Paul wrote this book while imprisoned and spoiler alert his life did not have a happy ending from an earthly perspective. But we know from God’s word that he is with Him for eternity and that’s the best ending there can be.
I particularly loved how Randy pointed us back to the truth that God is sovereign over every aspect of our lives and that we can trust Him and have joy regardless of what is happening. The hope for those of us who belong to Jesus is a life free from suffering with Him forever but while here on earth we WILL face trials. The choice we have is how we will react to them.
I loved how Randy broke this book down into sections and principles that made it easier to digest the many different themes in Philippians. There are journaling prompts and also action prompts at the end of each chapter to put into practice what we learned.
I particularly loved how he started out each chapter pointing us to God’s word and its truth and then segued into a section that would include up to date neuroscience and psychology information that backed up scripture. The science was just bite sized enough that my brain could handle it (I am not a STEM person!)
He also included antidotes that pointed to books, movies, and other stories (fictional and nonfictional) that really drove the point home and made the book feel more engaging than your typical nonfiction read.
This book was so beneficial for me as someone who struggles sometimes to see the good. I tend to focus on the negative and I know that isn’t good for me and doesn’t glorify God. This is a book that I will definitely read again and take more time to journal and participate in the “do” prompts my second time around.
Thank you Nelson Books for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #thejoychallenge #netgalley
“The secret to our independence is our dependence on God, pure and simple”
This book takes us on a deep dive through the book of Philippians. Randy uses scripture memorization and daily Bible reading to remind us that it is possible to have joy in all circumstances.
Paul wrote this book while imprisoned and spoiler alert his life did not have a happy ending from an earthly perspective. But we know from God’s word that he is with Him for eternity and that’s the best ending there can be.
I particularly loved how Randy pointed us back to the truth that God is sovereign over every aspect of our lives and that we can trust Him and have joy regardless of what is happening. The hope for those of us who belong to Jesus is a life free from suffering with Him forever but while here on earth we WILL face trials. The choice we have is how we will react to them.
I loved how Randy broke this book down into sections and principles that made it easier to digest the many different themes in Philippians. There are journaling prompts and also action prompts at the end of each chapter to put into practice what we learned.
I particularly loved how he started out each chapter pointing us to God’s word and its truth and then segued into a section that would include up to date neuroscience and psychology information that backed up scripture. The science was just bite sized enough that my brain could handle it (I am not a STEM person!)
He also included antidotes that pointed to books, movies, and other stories (fictional and nonfictional) that really drove the point home and made the book feel more engaging than your typical nonfiction read.
This book was so beneficial for me as someone who struggles sometimes to see the good. I tend to focus on the negative and I know that isn’t good for me and doesn’t glorify God. This is a book that I will definitely read again and take more time to journal and participate in the “do” prompts my second time around.
Thank you Nelson Books for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #thejoychallenge #netgalley
January 6, 2025
I also read this book because I joined @mommaleighellensbooknook. As it turned out-I just couldn't read the book every day. I felt I needed more time to adapt and own each of the principles. It has been a difficult 3 years for me with some church hurt in the middle and to say I lost my joy would be an understatement. It was exactly what I needed and I wish I could make everyone around me read it as well. lol.
Basically, it’s a closer look at the book of Philippians and what Paul had to say about joy.
The book is broken up into 4 parts as follows:
1. Joy Despite Your Circumstances
2. Joy Despite People
3. Joy Despite Your Past
4. Joy That Defeats Worry
At the end of each principle Randy gives a challenge that is a way to put the principle into practice.
Mr. Frazee says, “Paul uses the word joy in its various forms 16 times in this letter" He also calls Paul the “Joy Theologian” and reminds us Paul was in prison when he penned this letter on joy. He gives us so many great reminders of where Paul was in his life when he was rejoicing!
Mr. Frazee also includes personal experiences from his life and those personal stories as sometimes more moving than I could have ever imagined. When I finished the final principle-I put the book down and wept. I'm so thankful I found this book.
Basically, it’s a closer look at the book of Philippians and what Paul had to say about joy.
The book is broken up into 4 parts as follows:
1. Joy Despite Your Circumstances
2. Joy Despite People
3. Joy Despite Your Past
4. Joy That Defeats Worry
At the end of each principle Randy gives a challenge that is a way to put the principle into practice.
Mr. Frazee says, “Paul uses the word joy in its various forms 16 times in this letter" He also calls Paul the “Joy Theologian” and reminds us Paul was in prison when he penned this letter on joy. He gives us so many great reminders of where Paul was in his life when he was rejoicing!
Mr. Frazee also includes personal experiences from his life and those personal stories as sometimes more moving than I could have ever imagined. When I finished the final principle-I put the book down and wept. I'm so thankful I found this book.
January 6, 2025
Philippians is one of my favorite books of the Bible, so when I heard about this book, I was interested in checking it out. I saw an online service where Frazee was a guest speaker, and he referenced this book in his message.
Philippians is a book which was written by Paul, who is someone in the Bible that faced a large number of challenges, which could have made him lose his joy. However, that was not the case. He knew his source of joy was in the Lord, that his joy was not based on his circumstances, and that is a key theme in this book. Frazee reminds the readers that while we may not have a choice in the trials here on earth, we do have a choice in how we respond to them.
The book is broken down into various principles, and there are journaling prompts at the end of each chapter, along with action steps. Because of this, Frazee's book could work well as a Bible study or small groups discussion.
Philippians is a book which was written by Paul, who is someone in the Bible that faced a large number of challenges, which could have made him lose his joy. However, that was not the case. He knew his source of joy was in the Lord, that his joy was not based on his circumstances, and that is a key theme in this book. Frazee reminds the readers that while we may not have a choice in the trials here on earth, we do have a choice in how we respond to them.
The book is broken down into various principles, and there are journaling prompts at the end of each chapter, along with action steps. Because of this, Frazee's book could work well as a Bible study or small groups discussion.
August 1, 2024
This book would be excellent for a Christian who wants to branch out from the beginning level resources. I enjoyed the funny stories, the call back to original language, and metaphors. It is reminiscent of Bob Goff in its ever present positivity. Sometimes it feels like a collection of sermons (which can be good or bad depending on your. preference.) There were a couple things that made me pause. I have a tendency to wrinkle my eyes at books which feel too formulaic or like "if you do this, then you will feel this." The book borders on this. There were also several times the author attempts to bring in research to back up his points. These were sometimes pulled out of context of the original research, oversimplified or felt incomplete. The author's instincts are correct in that science can back up many of his points, but I wish this would have been checked further.
June 30, 2024
I read The Joy Challenge with a group of ladies on Instagram and it was absolutely fantastic!
I’ve got one thing to say! How readable!!! I’m new to many things that this book goes over and was concerned I wouldn’t be able to connect or understand and that was not the case. It’s very eye opening and actionable! Randy is a storyteller and I look forward to checking out some of his other books and following him on the gram! What an inspiration!
Thank you @mommaleighellensbooknook for hosting these great discussions!
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
I’ve got one thing to say! How readable!!! I’m new to many things that this book goes over and was concerned I wouldn’t be able to connect or understand and that was not the case. It’s very eye opening and actionable! Randy is a storyteller and I look forward to checking out some of his other books and following him on the gram! What an inspiration!
Thank you @mommaleighellensbooknook for hosting these great discussions!
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
July 6, 2024
The Joy Challenge by Randy Frazee is an uplifting and well written book. I participated in a online Bible study with The Joy Challenge as our group walked through Philippians. The author writes in an endearing, kind and inspiring way. I was challenged to change my mindset and choose joy no matter my circumstances.
I will be referring to this book in the future and thankful for all I have learned. I highly recommend The Joy Challenge by Randy Frazee.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. .
I will be referring to this book in the future and thankful for all I have learned. I highly recommend The Joy Challenge by Randy Frazee.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. .
September 3, 2024
The Joy Challenge by Randy Frazee was a refreshing read through Philippians while also giving us twenty simple principles to help reset our mindset as well as practically walk out joy in our everyday lives. Simple, yet profound. I highly recommend this for everyone, especially those who need encouragement or guidance. I especially enjoyed the 'joy cube' exercise along with the scripture memorization aspect.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
June 14, 2024
I took the Joy Challenge and completed it all within 25 days and am eager to do it again. Such great insight and the challenges each day took the devotions a step further and has a deeper impact on me than if I had just read a book about finding joy in the midst of our circumstances, past, people and/or worry. Excellent book and I advise you to do it with a friend or loved one!
August 27, 2024
I liked the book although the parts on neurology I was not into and could done without. I know the brain is affected by joy and felt the book went on too much about it. Some folks may really like to know all the science behind it but that’s not me.
January 17, 2025
Great content overall, but at times this book had trouble holding my attention. Some of the concepts seemed a bit lengthy. I ended up finishing the second half of the book as audio
A condensed version of this would make a great devotional
Still a good read/listen
A condensed version of this would make a great devotional
Still a good read/listen
May 22, 2024
Received this book as a gift, I'm sure it's great if you like Christian self help books but workbooks are not my thing.
July 3, 2024
This was a "25 day" challenge but took me way longer with taking notes and processing the principles. There was so much information and truth to put into practice.
July 18, 2024
This book shows us that distractions can rob us of joy. The chapters are a recipe to finding joy in things that matter.
June 19, 2024
A book that helps us not to fear events that happen that change our lives.
March 5, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Nelson Books. I received this ARC for free and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I signed up for this because I have been stuck. Many changes in my life are happening. After 26 years, I am becoming an empty nester. I was always busy driving kids around, involved in ministries at church to support youth, working as a teacher. Now I find I am in a very weird place. Life has thrown curveballs as I have had to deal with issues involving my parents and my children. I have been more withdrawn, and not sure what I’m supposed to be doing, and then I get anxiety about not doing enough! So when I read the blurb for this, I thought I’d give it a shot.
I am so glad I did! I read through the entire book, and just took it in! Then I began to read it again, taking it slower, and journaling and doing the challenges.
This book does not give answers, but guides you into delving into God, and understanding your relationship with him. Then it draws you to grow closer to Him, while also increasing in joy so that you can draw closer to others. I highly recommend this book!!
I signed up for this because I have been stuck. Many changes in my life are happening. After 26 years, I am becoming an empty nester. I was always busy driving kids around, involved in ministries at church to support youth, working as a teacher. Now I find I am in a very weird place. Life has thrown curveballs as I have had to deal with issues involving my parents and my children. I have been more withdrawn, and not sure what I’m supposed to be doing, and then I get anxiety about not doing enough! So when I read the blurb for this, I thought I’d give it a shot.
I am so glad I did! I read through the entire book, and just took it in! Then I began to read it again, taking it slower, and journaling and doing the challenges.
This book does not give answers, but guides you into delving into God, and understanding your relationship with him. Then it draws you to grow closer to Him, while also increasing in joy so that you can draw closer to others. I highly recommend this book!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews