Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! 6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭126:1-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I. God, the Gospel, and the Possibility of Joy
A. Joy is essential, not optional, and possible in the Christian life.
B. God not only commands us to have joy but He is committed to making sure we have it.

II. The Glory of Past Joy (1-3)
A. We need to remember our glory days when we lack joy.

III. The Gift of Ever-Present Joy (4)
A. Joy is a gift of God to us that is manifested not manufactured.
B. Joy is not only spontaneous, but it is also constant because it is a result of the presence of the Spirit of God in our hearts.

IV. NEXT STEP: The Gaining of Perpetual Joy (5-6)
A. As we remember the past we say, it used to be good. As we look to the future, we say, the best is yet to come.

Next Week: Peace Psalm 23