Living Joy - Talk 4 (Midwinter)

Title: Living Joy Text: Psalm 98

Introduction: The Call to Joy

Begin with a personal story or an example of someone who radiates joy. Maybe a person who, despite challenges, lives with a deep and contagious joy.

Ask: "What if joy wasn’t just something we feel in good times but something we live out every day?"

Psalm 98 is a song of celebration, calling all creation to make a joyful noise. It reminds us that joy is not just an emotion but a lifestyle of worship and witness.

I. Joy is Rooted in What God Has Done (vv. 1-3)

The psalmist begins by recalling God's marvelous deeds. Joy is not based on circumstances but on God's faithfulness.

Key Verse: "He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel." (v. 3)

Application: Take time to reflect on what God has done in your life. Gratitude fuels joy.

Illustration: Share a testimony of someone who found joy in remembering God's past faithfulness.

II. Joy is Expressed in Worship (vv. 4-6)

The psalmist calls for a joyful noise—not just quiet appreciation but loud, expressive praise.

Key Verse: "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" (v. 4)

Worship is an outward expression of an inward reality. When we experience true joy, we can’t help but express it.

Illustration: Imagine being at a championship game. The joy of victory is loud and uncontainable. Shouldn’t our joy in Christ be even greater?

Application: How can we cultivate a heart of worship that expresses real joy?

III. Joy is a Witness to the World (vv. 7-9)

The psalm doesn’t just call people to rejoice—it calls creation to join in! Joy is meant to overflow.

Key Verse: "Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!" (v. 7)

Illustration: Think of the most joyful person you know. Their joy is contagious. As believers, our joy should reflect God’s goodness to those around us.

Application: What if our joy in Christ was so evident that others were drawn to Him? Living joy means reflecting God’s love in our words, actions, and attitudes.

Conclusion: Living Joy Every Day

Joy isn’t just for church; it’s for life. It’s for school, home, work, and friendships.

Challenge: What’s one way you can intentionally live joy this week?

End with a time of reflection or worship—perhaps inviting students to share what brings them joy in Christ.

Final Encouragement: Live joyfully because of who God is, what He has done, and how He is working in your life. Let your joy be a witness to the world!