“Where does joy come from?”, Psalm 126 - sermon for the Watford church of Christ - a podcast by Malcolm Cox

from 2020-05-31T15:20:05

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“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.








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Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.




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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

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