Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4
Introduction
A. Sometimes it is easier to be joyful than others (cf. Psalms 126; 137).
B. When we come together to worship God, our worship should always be filled with joy.
Discussion
I. Israel had plenty of reasons to be joyful.
A. They rejoiced over the victories that God gave them over their enemies (Exodus 15:1‒2; 1 Samuel 18:6; Esther 9:22; Psalms 27:6).
B. They rejoiced greatly when God brought them back from exile (Psalms 126; Ezra 3:11‒13; 6:22; Zechariah 8).
C. God wanted their worship to be joyful (Deuteronomy 26:1‒11).
II. We have even more reasons to be joyful.
A. We can rejoice in our eternal salvation (Acts 8:39; 16:34; 2:46).
B. We can rejoice in the salvation of others (Luke 15:10; Acts 15:3).
C. Greater still is the joy that is set before us (Hebrews 12:2; Matthew 25:21, 23; Acts 20:24; 1 John 4:17).
D. There ought to be joy in our worship (1 Thessalonians 5:16‒18).
III. Have you lost the joy?
A. If so, you aren’t the first (Psalms 51:12; Matthew 26:75).
B. You should know that joy can be restored (Acts 5:41; 1 Peter 4:12‒16).
Conclusion
A. Joy is restored by turning to God.
B. If you, like the Jews of the exile, are finding it hard to “sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land” (Psalms 137:4), why not come home?