Joy in the Morning

Sermon Notes April 28, 2019 Psalm 30 Short Review Review the main points of the morning message. Focus on: How are joy and sorrow a part of the Christian’s experience in this phase of God’s salvation history? Some Questions for Discussion: 1. For parents: what struggles did you have putting your children to bed? a. Why is night-time difficult for little children? b. What emotions do they experience? 2. How are the ‘night times’ in our lives like the experience of children? Do we experience some of the same emotions, doubts, and fears? Give some specific examples. 3. Read verses 1-3. Why are joy and sorrow – night and day – bound up together in the experience of God’s people? Why isn’t it always sunny? Can you cite Scriptures which speak to this? [What does this tell us about the nature of our lives, about spiritual battle, about the role of suffering in the Christian’s life?] 4. When we think (like the rooster!) that we have control, what happens to: a. Our faith and spiritual walk? b. Our relationships with people (who don’t want to be controlled!)? c. Our own emotional life? 5. Read verse 5. a. What are the things which are temporary and why? b. When is “morning” for Christians? Are there many mornings before the final great Day? 6. Read Psalm 130:5,6. How do you wait for the morning? What helps you to wait without giving up hope or faith? 7. How can we pray for one another in response to the word today?