Finding Everlasting Joy in God's Faithfulness
Summary
In the sermon, the pastor delves into Psalm 22, a prophetic piece that foreshadows the coming of the Messiah. The psalmist's experience of feeling forsaken is juxtaposed with a deep-seated knowledge of God's sanctity and unwavering reliability. Despite the sense of abandonment, the psalmist calls upon God for strength and deliverance, vowing to spread His name and praises. The pastor draws attention to the psalmist's unwavering faith and trust in God's promise of eternal joy, which resonates with the title of the Everlasting Father found in Isaiah chapter 9. This connection is further emphasized as the pastor ties in the anticipation of Jesus' birth, portraying Jesus as the Son of God and the fulfillment of the psalmist's prayers to the Everlasting Father.
The pastor then shifts focus to the concept of Everlasting Joy, urging the congregation to find solace and happiness in the Everlasting Father, especially amidst life's trials and tribulations. The pastor reassures them that God listens to their rejoicing and will infuse them with an enduring joy. The sermon underscores the significance of seeking joy in God's presence and persistently pursuing Him to secure a joy that is both profound and perpetual in their lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor explains that Psalm 22 is not just a cry of despair but a testament to the psalmist's faith in God's faithfulness. Even when feeling abandoned, the psalmist's commitment to praise God in anticipation of deliverance exemplifies a profound trust in God's promise of joy and salvation. This trust is a model for believers to follow, especially in times of distress. [02:06]
- The title "Everlasting Father" in Isaiah chapter 9 is significant, as it encapsulates the eternal nature of God's care and guidance. The pastor's connection between this title and Jesus' birth highlights the continuity of God's plan for redemption and the fulfillment of prophecies through Jesus, who brings everlasting joy to humanity. [02:46]
- The pastor's emphasis on Everlasting Joy serves as a reminder that true joy is found in the presence of God and is not dependent on external circumstances. This joy is a gift from the Everlasting Father, who hears the rejoicing of His people and responds with His presence and peace. [03:27]
- Encouraging the congregation to seek joy in God, the pastor points out that this pursuit is an active process. It involves turning to God in both good times and bad, and trusting that He will provide joy that surpasses understanding. This pursuit is a lifelong journey that strengthens the believer's relationship with God.
- The sermon concludes with a call to action for believers to proclaim God's name and praises, just as the psalmist vowed. By doing so, they participate in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and spread the joy of His presence to others, becoming vessels of the Everlasting Joy that God promises.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 22:1-2, 3-5, 6, 9-10, 19-22, 26
- "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him—may your hearts live forever!"
2. Isaiah 9:6
- "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
#### Observation Questions
1. What emotions does the psalmist express in Psalm 22:1-2? How does he describe his feelings of abandonment? [00:34]
2. Despite his feelings of abandonment, what does the psalmist acknowledge about God in Psalm 22:3-5? [00:34]
3. How does the psalmist describe his relationship with God from birth in Psalm 22:9-10? [01:19]
4. What promise does the psalmist make in Psalm 22:22, and how does it reflect his faith? [01:19]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the psalmist's acknowledgment of God's holiness and past faithfulness (Psalm 22:3-5) influence his current plea for help? [00:34]
2. In what ways does the title "Everlasting Father" in Isaiah 9:6 provide comfort and assurance to believers, especially in times of distress? [02:46]
3. How does the concept of "Everlasting Joy" in Psalm 22:26 relate to the believer's experience of joy in God's presence? [02:06]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that seeking joy in God is an active process? How does this align with the psalmist's actions in Psalm 22? [03:27]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt abandoned or distant from God. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the psalmist's example of faith and trust in Psalm 22? [00:34]
2. The psalmist vows to proclaim God's name and praises despite his suffering (Psalm 22:22). How can you incorporate this practice into your daily life, especially during challenging times? [01:19]
3. The pastor emphasizes the importance of finding joy in God's presence. What practical steps can you take to seek and experience this "Everlasting Joy" in your life? [02:06]
4. How does understanding Jesus as the "Everlasting Father" and the fulfillment of prophecies impact your view of God's plan for redemption and your personal faith journey? [02:46]
5. The pastor mentions that seeking joy in God is a lifelong journey. What specific actions can you take this week to actively pursue joy in God's presence, regardless of your circumstances? [03:27]
6. How can you support others in your community who may be struggling to find joy and hope? What role can you play in spreading the "Everlasting Joy" that God promises? [03:27]
7. Consider the pastor's call to action for believers to proclaim God's name and praises. What opportunities do you have to share your faith and the joy of God's presence with others? [03:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust Amidst Desolation
In the depths of despair, the psalmist's faith did not waver; instead, it became a beacon of hope and trust in God's faithfulness. This unwavering trust is a testament to the belief in God's promise of deliverance and joy, even when one feels utterly forsaken. It is a profound trust that believers are called to emulate, particularly during their own times of distress. [02:06]
Psalm 31:24 - "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
Reflection: When have you felt abandoned by God, and how did you maintain your trust in His faithfulness during that time?
Day 2: The Continuity of Redemption
The title "Everlasting Father" reveals the eternal nature of God's care, which is exemplified in the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. This connection between the Old Testament prophecy and the New Testament fulfillment underscores the unbroken thread of God's redemptive plan. It is a reminder that God's promises are timeless and that Jesus is the embodiment of the everlasting joy promised to humanity. [02:46]
Isaiah 26:4 - "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the Everlasting Father deepen your appreciation for God's eternal plan of redemption?
Day 3: The Gift of Everlasting Joy
True joy is a divine gift that transcends circumstances, rooted in the presence of the Everlasting Father. This joy is not fleeting or dependent on life's ebb and flow but is a constant, provided by God who hears and responds to the rejoicing of His people. It is a joy that fills the soul with peace and contentment, regardless of the storms that may rage outside. [03:27]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 - "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Reflection: Can you identify a time when you experienced joy in God despite challenging circumstances?
Day 4: Pursuing Joy in God's Presence
Seeking joy in God is an active, ongoing pursuit that requires turning to Him in both triumph and trial. It is a journey that involves a continuous effort to trust in God's provision of a joy that surpasses all understanding. This pursuit strengthens the believer's relationship with God, anchoring them in His presence through all of life's seasons.
Lamentations 3:25-26 - "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Reflection: What are practical ways you can actively pursue joy in God's presence on a daily basis?
Day 5: Proclaiming the Joy of His Presence
Believers are called to proclaim God's name and praises, becoming vessels of the Everlasting Joy that He promises. By sharing the joy found in God's presence, they participate in the unfolding of His redemptive plan and spread the hope and peace that come from knowing Him. This proclamation is an act of worship and a means of extending the reach of God's joy to others.
1 Chronicles 16:8-9 - "Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts."
Reflection: How can you actively proclaim God's name and praises in your community to spread the joy of His presence?
Quotes
"Everlasting Joy is not just temporary joy; it is joy that lasts forever. When you pray to the Father, His joy is everlasting, He is eternal, His joy is eternal." [02:06] (Download)
"The psalmist knows that he's praying to the Everlasting Father, he is praying to the one who has the ability to have joy that lasts forever." [02:46] (Download)
"But today I want you to think about his Everlasting Joy, you might be going through a lot, you might be struggling, but know that when you rejoice, the Everlasting Father hears you." [03:27] (Download)
"He will fill you with Everlasting Joy." [03:27] (Download)
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