10 Sermons Tagged "Joy"

It is easy to see the world right now as tumultuous, given the many problems people are facing locally, nationally, and even globally. However, as Christians we know that Jesus promised we would bear crosses in our lives, and those crosses are often tests to show us where our faith is strong and where our faith is weak.

Living the life of a Christian is not always joyous. In fact for some, like most of the disciples, there are times when it can be miserable. Yet in his "High Priestly Prayer" before his arrest, Jesus prayed for God the Father to give us his joy.

Using the prophet Isaiah God tells us how great the new of our savior's coming is. Just like the Israelite facing the persecution from and slavery to the Babylonians, we can face our struggles and afflictions in peace because we have that good news of our salvation through Jesus. We also see how this news still applies today even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When we face pain and trials in our lives, like with the current COVID-19 pandemic, we can be thankful that scripture does not end with the uncertainty of Thomas; instead, we have been given assurances of heaven, and we know that God uses the pain and trials for our benefit.

We are reminded of the gifts given by God's grace -- not just Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, but gifts that supply our every need -- which we then share with others.

He works unity among his flock, He works our confessions of praise, rejoicing, and hope, and He makes us overflow with joy, peace, and hope.