Joy Cometh in the Morning Selected Scriptures

What Do You See? It has been said that one picture is worth a thousand words. Let’s talk about perspective. Perspective has to do with what you see, and how you see it. What do you see in this picture?

Joy Cometh in the Morning Question… Why do we cry? Frustration Anger Afraid Loss Hurt Joy Cometh in the Morning

Joy Cometh in the Morning Our tears are not always an indication of a lack of faith in God. Sometimes we cry just because it hurts. Joy Cometh in the Morning

Joy Cometh in the Morning Our tears reflect our feelings Our feelings reflect our genuine humanity It is normal to feel pain and shed tears Tears can indicate a time or mourning Joy Cometh in the Morning

Joy Cometh in the Morning As we mature we learn to process through our feelings Then we learn to proceed based on what we know. If we try to proceed based on feelings rather than knowledge we will dramatically slow our progress. Joy Cometh in the Morning Have someone read Hebrews 6:1 – 3 from KJV, NKJV, or NIV. Then show the next slide from the Message paraphrase to illustrate the vital importance of moving towards maturity.

Joy Cometh in the Morning Hebrews 6:1 - 3 The Message (MSG) “So come on, let’s leave the preschool finger- painting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. But there’s so much more. Let’s get on with it!” Joy Cometh in the Morning

Joy Cometh in the Morning What do we know? We are in God’s hands – St. John 10:27 – 28 God knows our pain and remembers our tears – Psalms 56:8 – 9 God is with you, even in your time of trouble – Psalms 46:1 God will come to deliver you – Hebrews 10:37, Luke 18:7 - 8 Joy Cometh in the Morning

Joy Cometh in the Morning Psalms 30:4 - 5 4 Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Joy Cometh in the Morning When we dwell on the fact that our pain is temporary, but our joy is eternal, we can’t help but get excited about God. It won’t be a stirred up, purely emotional, and temporary joy, but a genuine joy that resides deep with the soul. A joy that cannot be corrupted by the situations and circumstances of life.

Joy Cometh in the Morning Psalms 30:11 - 12 11 You have changed my sorrow into dancing. You have taken away my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. 12 You wanted me to praise you and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever! Joy Cometh in the Morning Knowing what we know will have a dramatic effect on what we are feeling.

What Do You See Now? Notice that the parent appears to be even more joyful than the child. That is because the parent understands that the child has made an important breakthrough and has grown as a result. The parent is overjoyed at the progress of her child. In like manner, God rejoices when He sees genuine growth and maturity in His children. Let’s keep growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord, and make our Father proud of His children.