Overview: What does it mean to have joy? Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) but can often seem elusive for Christians. Before delving in to how we can experience joy in the Christian life, we must first recognize that joy is not based on circumstances. In fact, joy may not even prevent us from experiencing negative emotions. Rather, joy is a deep-seated sense of hope and happiness in what God has done and what He is doing.

Directions: Today, we will examine four key points from our text to help us discover what it means to sing a song of joy, even when faced with trying times.

The contrast:

1. God’s distaste for the evildoers.
2. God’s delight for the faithful.

1. David trusted that God would lead him. (v. 8a)

2. David knew that God’s way was consistent. (v. 8b)

3. David understood God to be just. (v. 10a)

4. David sang for joy, not based on his current circumstances but based on God’s commitment to Him. (v. 11a)

Destination: So, let us sing for joy, for Jesus is our confidence. In life, we will face failure. People will sometimes let you down; you may even let yourself down. However, Jesus will never leave you. He will never forsake you. He will never abandon you. And for this, we sing a joyful song!

Reflection: Use the private notes section below or your personal journal to put the message of these verses into your own words so you can communicate them with others.

Your voice matters! (see Mark 16:15)