The Overflow of Joy
The end of my sermon from Psalm 66
This past Sunday I preached at New City South in St Louis from Psalm 66. Here’s a lightly edited version of the final few paragraphs from my sermon manuscript:
I want to wrap up with two stories about champion teams. The first happened in 2006, and some of you remember the Cardinals winning the World Series. Well…we had just moved from St Louis to London in 2005, so I watched the games by myself because they started at midnight. Do you know how weird it is to be so excited about something by yourself at 3am? I had to be quiet because Josephine and the kids were asleep – it was just me celebrating in my mind!!
The second championship occurred this spring while Josephine and I were in Nairobi for six weeks. Part of our time was spent supporting New City Nairobi. The pastor, Joe Muutuki, and his wife, Elfi, are Arsenal football (soccer) fans, and our family is as well. In the dramatic finish to the season, we watched several games together at their home. And when Arsenal clinched the championship, we were screaming and celebrating – giving hugs – finally, after 22 years, Arsenal won the English Premier League!
But you know what the next thing I did that evening in Nairobi was? I started texting my son who was in London and then other family and friends who are Arsenal fans. It was quite a difference from 2006 when I was by myself.
Joy is meant to be shared.
I think Apostle Paul wants to share his in 1 Timothy 1:17, where it seems he breaks out into song. “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Why is he so joyful? Listen to verse 16:
“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”
Paul seems to be saying, “This is wonderful! I can hardly believe it.” And he wants to share his joy with anyone who will listen. When we are gripped by grace deep in our soul, we become like Paul – we sing out for joy because we can’t hold it in. The joy of worship follows an experience of God’s grace.
Brothers and sisters, do you know that joy that comes from being touched by God’s grace? Do you know the wonder of living in peace with your Creator because your sins have been forgiven? Is there a flood of emotions sometimes when you think of all that the Lord has done for you?
Of course, we don’t live in the emotional high of God’s love all the time, but I do pray that there are moments when you come together with God’s people, you are touched emotionally. I hope there are times when tears fall from your face when we are singing – tears of joy as you hear the words of your brothers and sisters singing around you.
If not, please talk to one of the pastors after the service. We’d love to discuss what it means to be a child of God so that you to can experience that joy. Our Father in Heaven will not turn you away. Listen to our last verse here in Psalm 66: Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
God will hear the cry of an honest heart who desires to know him. He will not withhold His love from you.
May all of us be drawn to weekly worship of the Almighty God, for he is worthy of our praise. And may we encourage each other along the path of life – God is at work among His people! He will not fail you! Let us trust him, together today.