WHO WANTS JOY?
Everybody wants Joy. The world calls it happiness and the desire for it is endemic to our natures. Everybody, without exception, pursues it. The pursuit of happiness is the basic drive behind every effort.

WHERE CAN WE FIND JOY?
We can’t manufacture it: Can’t command enjoyment. We are always trying to find it, but it seems to be the most elusive emotion.
Not Found in Circumstances: Happiness depends on circumstances. When the stock market is up and the sun is shining our happiness follows. But circumstances change, and hence our happiness.
Not Found Through Escaping
Whether this be through drugs or alcohol or even more innocent things like TV or sport etc.

JOY IS A CONSEQUENCE NOT A REQUIREMENT.
Joy is the characteristic of Christian pilgrimage. It is the second of the list of the fruits of the Spirit. Gal 5:22. That is not to say that it is a moral requirement for Christian living but rather the consequence of living the Christian life. It is rooted in the knowledge of God in Christ. Happiness is rooted in happenings or circumstances whereas Christian joy is dependant on the knowledge of what God has done, is doing, and will do. It is dependant on inward and not outward things. Christian joy is not an escape from sorrow and pain, but these things ought not have the effect of driving out our joy. Christian joy is rooted in the past and looks forward to the future.

Central verse of the Psalm is “filled with joy” (vs.3). Vs’s 1-2 are in the past tense; vs’s 4-6 are in the future tense.

The Past…(Knowledge of what God has done)
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion we were like those who dream…
"we were comforted." The meaning is, "It seemed like a dream; we could hardly realize that it was so; it was so marvelous, so good, so full of joy, that we could scarcely believe it was real."

Exodus 15:1-2. After years of enslavement. Final deliverance, they sang…with joy!
Later, Jerusalem was sacked by the Babylonians with terrible consequences. Those who survived were subjected to a 600 mile forced march across the desert…but a time came when God said “comfort, comfort my people…when you pass through the waters I will be with you…hark your watchmen lift up their voice, together they sing for joy. (Is 40:1-2; 43:2-5; 52:7-8).

Present…(Knowledge of what God is doing)
James 1:1…Count it pure joy…because you know!
A consequence, not a requirement – like good works. Not by joy; for joy! I am joyful because…Joy is nurtured by anticipation. Present pain endured because of hope in the future.

Future…(knowledge of what God will do)
Not only joyful memories, but joyful expectations. Much of the Christian life is lived in the eager expectation of what God will do in the future. They are based on his promises…though outwardly wasting away, yet inwardly being renewed day by day. (2Cor 4:16ff). Every Chapter of 1 Thessalonians has a reference to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the future.

JOY IS NOT A REQUIREMENT…IT IS A CONSEQUENCE WHICH IS ROOTED IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD; PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Read the psalm and comment on it personally.
• Think through the things the psalmist is joyful about.
• Do you think this means that a Christian ought never to be sad?
• Remind yourselves of the promises of God and be glad.