Finding Joy in God's Presence During Advent
Summary
The sermon titled "Advent: JOY // Psalm 92" delves into the theme of joy, particularly in the context of the Advent season and the anticipation of Jesus' arrival. The speaker, whose name is not discernible from the title, explores the longing for change and the struggle to maintain joy amidst life's challenges. They emphasize the importance of abiding in God and bearing the fruit of joy, encouraging listeners to remain planted in God's house and to share the message of Jesus with others.
The significance of Psalm 92, a song for the Sabbath, is highlighted as a reminder of God's faithfulness and love. The speaker urges the congregation to take a break from their work and grief to gather and worship, finding joy in God's praises. They invite the congregation to recall God's faithfulness and cry out for His unfailing love, even in difficult circumstances.
The sermon also touches on the importance of community and the joy found in the presence of God. A personal story is shared about a woman who found joy not only through her religious practices but also through the relationships within her church community. The speaker warns against comparing one's life to others and encourages focusing on flourishing in the right environment.
The anticipation for Jesus' return is discussed, with references to Simeon and Anna's waiting for the Messiah as examples of finding joy in the waiting process. The speaker explores the concept of flourishing in a broken world, encouraging thanksgiving and praise to God for His unfailing love and faithfulness.
The dangers of materialism are addressed, with the speaker emphasizing that true joy is found in God's provision, not in possessions. They stress the importance of being in the right environment to produce the fruit of joy and highlight the role of the right people in our lives to help joy grow.
The sermon concludes with a call to action for the congregation to invite others to join them for a special candlelight family celebration service and to participate in an online devotion. The speaker reflects on the story of Simeon and Anna in the temple, emphasizing the joy and hope that comes from waiting for Jesus. They express a desire for the congregation to flourish in their faith and life by being planted in the right environment.
Key Takeaways:
- True joy is not contingent on external circumstances but is a fruit that grows from a deep connection with God and abiding in His presence. The speaker encourages individuals to seek joy through worship and praise, which can sustain and restore the soul even in the midst of life's trials. [48:27]
- The Sabbath, as exemplified in Psalm 92, serves as a vital reminder to pause from our labors and to reflect on God's enduring goodness. The speaker underscores the importance of this weekly rhythm of rest and worship, which renews our strength and fosters joy within the community of believers. [44:53]
- The speaker highlights the significance of community in nurturing joy. By sharing personal stories and biblical examples, they illustrate how relationships within the church can provide support and joy, especially during challenging times. The speaker reminds us that joy can flourish when we are surrounded by the right people and are planted in a nurturing spiritual environment. [35:12]
- The anticipation of Jesus' return is a source of profound joy and hope. The speaker draws inspiration from the lives of Simeon and Anna, who exemplified a life of waiting with the right mindset. This waiting is not passive but an active, expectant posture that can lead to a flourishing life. [13:40]
- The speaker warns against the trap of materialism, especially during the Christmas season, and encourages the congregation to find joy in God's provision rather than in material possessions. They emphasize that joy is a gift from God that comes as we pursue Him and stay in environments that foster spiritual growth. [38:35]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Advent: JOY // Psalm 92
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 92:1-15
2. Luke 2:8-11
3. Luke 2:22-38
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 92 suggest about the relationship between giving thanks and experiencing joy?
2. How did the shepherds react to the angel's announcement in Luke 2:8-11, and what was the message they received? [02:03]
3. Describe the actions and attitudes of Simeon and Anna as they waited for the Messiah in Luke 2:22-38. What does this reveal about their faith and joy? [07:04]
4. According to the sermon, what are some ways that joy can be found in the presence of God and within the community of believers? [30:34]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 92 illustrate the concept of flourishing in the right environment, and what does it mean to be "planted in the house of the Lord"? [21:50]
2. In what ways did the anticipation of Jesus' arrival bring joy to the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna? How can this anticipation be applied to our lives today? [13:40]
3. The sermon mentions the dangers of materialism and the importance of finding joy in God's provision. How does this perspective challenge common views of happiness during the Christmas season? [38:35]
4. How does the story of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2:22-38 serve as an example of finding joy in waiting? What can we learn from their patience and faithfulness? [07:04]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy despite challenging circumstances. How did your connection with God or your community help sustain that joy? [49:33]
2. Psalm 92 emphasizes the importance of giving thanks and praising God. How can you incorporate a rhythm of thanksgiving and praise into your daily routine to cultivate joy? [17:54]
3. The sermon highlights the significance of being in the right environment to flourish. What steps can you take to ensure you are planted in a nurturing spiritual environment? [21:50]
4. Materialism can often overshadow the true meaning of Christmas. How can you focus on God's provision and share this perspective with your family and friends during the holiday season? [38:35]
5. Simeon and Anna found joy in their waiting by staying faithful and connected to God. What are you currently waiting for in your life, and how can you adopt a similar posture of active, expectant waiting? [07:04]
6. The sermon encourages us to invite others to join in worship and community events. Who in your life could you invite to a church service or small group gathering this Advent season? [00:46]
7. Think about the role of community in nurturing joy. How can you be more intentional in building and maintaining relationships within your church community to support mutual joy and growth? [30:34]
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This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of joy, community, and anticipation as presented in the sermon "Advent: JOY // Psalm 92." Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: Joy Beyond Circumstances
Joy is an enduring state that transcends our immediate situations and is deeply rooted in our relationship with God. It is not dependent on the ebb and flow of life's events but is a constant, nourished by worship and praise. This joy is a wellspring that can refresh and sustain us, even when we face trials and tribulations. [48:27]
James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of joy in your life that is not shaken by external challenges?
Day 2: Sabbath as a Sanctuary
The Sabbath is a divine invitation to step away from our daily grind and to immerse ourselves in the restorative presence of God. It is a time to reflect on His goodness and to allow our spirits to be renewed. This weekly pause is an essential rhythm that helps us to reconnect with the source of our joy and strength. [44:53]
Exodus 33:14 - "The Lord replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'"
Reflection: How can you more faithfully observe the Sabbath as a time to recharge and focus on God's faithfulness?
Day 3: Community as a Cradle for Joy
Joy thrives in the fertile soil of community, where believers can support and uplift one another. Within the church family, shared experiences and mutual encouragement foster a joy that can withstand life's storms. This communal aspect of faith is a testament to the fact that joy is not a solitary pursuit but one that blossoms in fellowship. [35:12]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the joy of your church community and draw strength from it?
Day 4: Expectant Waiting as a Wellspring of Joy
The act of waiting for Jesus' return is not a passive one but is filled with expectation and hope. Like Simeon and Anna, believers are called to live in a state of active anticipation, finding joy in the promise of what is to come. This forward-looking mindset shapes how we live in the present and gives us a sense of purpose and joy. [13:40]
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: How does the anticipation of Jesus' return influence your daily actions and outlook on life?
Day 5: The Futility of Materialism
Material possessions can never fulfill our deepest longings for joy, which is a gift from God that flourishes as we seek Him and His kingdom. The pursuit of material wealth often leads to a hollow sense of happiness that quickly fades. Instead, true contentment and joy are found in God's provision and in living a life aligned with His purposes. [38:35]
Hebrews 13:5 - "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
Reflection: What material possessions have you been prioritizing over your relationship with God, and how can you shift your focus to find joy in His presence?
Quotes
"Those who look to him are radiant with joy; we are the radiant people of God. Strength and joy can be yours because joy is found in the people of God gathered together." [32:40] (Download)
"Joy is found among the people of God. When we get together, there's something of joy that has started in our midst, and we look forward to that gathering every year." [33:49] (Download)
"May we have that strength like ox as we abide in you and you abide in us today, restore to us the joy." [48:27] (Download)
"Joy is found in the provision of God. When I say provision, I don't mean materialism, I mean Messiah. Joy is found in the provision of God himself, in the joy of God himself." [37:28] (Download)
"The joy of the Lord will be your strength when you choose to be in the right environments, where Joy, which brings us strength, can be found. Maybe it's calling a friend and just saying, 'I'm struggling, can we just be together for a little bit?'" [44:10] (Download)
"A flourishing life comes when we're planted in the right environment. Joy is found in the Praises of God. What is the right environment look like? It's joy that is found in the Praises of God." [25:12] (Download)
"Joy is not a result of just favorable circumstances but rather it's a gift received from God as we pursue him during life's challenges." [39:19] (Download)
"Joy isn't a feeling; rather, it's the product and fruit produced by choosing to stay in the right environments." [40:45] (Download)
"Waiting is not wasted time when you're waiting in the right environment when you're waiting in the right way, it produces and cultivates and grows something in us." [06:23] (Download)
"Father, we thank you for the joy that is found in the arrival of your presence. Holy Spirit, would you produce your fruit of joy in our life so that others may be refreshed by you and they can taste and see that you are good." [02:50] (Download)
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