“Where does joy come from?”, Psalm 126 - sermon for the Watford church of Christ
Season 1, May 31, 2020, 03:20 PM
“Where does joy come from?”, Psalm 126
Introduction
- They are surprised - can this really be happening?
- Joy is significant - fruit of Spirit, Gal 5.22-23
- Joy is different from pleasure
- “All Joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still “about to be.” CS Lewis
1. Joy comes from the LORD, vv1-3
A. What has he done?
- Question: “What has the Lord done for you?”
- They want the present to catch up with the past - perhaps we need this too….
B. Important to deliberately remember/recall
- Take time to do this
C. Gone viral
- Many reasons non-believers might talk about us as Christians, but perhaps joy is the best reason
- Remembrance brings them joy and leads them to pray for a refreshed experience.
- How do they live in the meantime?
2. Joy comes from faithfulness, vv4-6
A. Soberness
- They live in the real world - tears, weeping
- “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4.
- Sometimes sorrow and joy go together
B. Active
- They go out sowing
C. Patient
- Waiting for the harvest
- A confident patience - “will”
Conclusion
- Remember & request - vision of the fruitfulness
- Jesus:
- Our sorrow turns to joy - John 16:22–24
- Hebrews 12:1-3.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John