JOY COMES IN THE MORNING

TITLE: JOY COMES IN THE MORNING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 30:5

"For His anger is but for a moment, His favour is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

Supporting Texts:

Isaiah 61:3

Lamentations 3:22-23

Romans 15:13

John 16:20

Revelation 21:4

INTRODUCTION:

The phrase "joy comes in the morning" encapsulates the hope and assurance that after every period of sorrow and struggle, God brings forth joy and restoration. This message focuses on the promise of joy that God gives us, particularly after we have endured trials and tribulations. We will explore the nature of joy, the process of transformation, and how we can embrace joy in our lives.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF JOY

To appreciate the promise of joy coming in the morning, we must first understand what joy is.

a) Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit:

Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, highlighting its divine origin (Galatians 5:22).

b) Joy is Distinct from Happiness:

Unlike happiness, which is often based on circumstances, joy is a deep-seated sense of well-being that transcends our situation (Nehemiah 8:10).

c) Joy is Rooted in God’s Presence:

True joy comes from being in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11).

d) Joy is a Response to God’s Faithfulness:

Joy is often a response to recognizing God’s unwavering faithfulness in our lives (Psalm 126:3).

e) Joy is Strength:

Joy empowers us to endure trials and challenges (Nehemiah 8:10).

Biblical Example:

The Israelites rejoiced when they returned from exile, acknowledging God’s restoration in their lives (Psalm 126:1-2).

2. THE SEASONS OF WEAPING AND SORROW

We must acknowledge that we all experience seasons of weeping and sorrow.

a) The Reality of Suffering:

Life brings inevitable trials and challenges, causing us to experience sorrow (John 16:33).

b) Weeping is Temporary:

The promise of joy assures us that our current suffering is not permanent (2 Corinthians 4:17).

c) God Uses Trials for Growth:

Suffering can be a tool for spiritual growth and development (James 1:2-4).

d) Grief Has Its Place:

It is healthy to grieve and process our emotions during difficult times (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

e) Weeping Leads to Hope:

In our sorrow, we can hold on to the hope that joy will come (Romans 5:3-5).

Biblical Example:

Job experienced immense suffering, but he held onto his faith, leading to restoration and joy (Job 42:10-12).

3. THE PROMISE OF MORNING JOY

God’s promise is clear: joy comes in the morning after the night of weeping.

a) A New Day Brings New Mercies:

Every morning is an opportunity to experience God’s mercies anew (Lamentations 3:22-23).

b) Morning Represents Hope:

The morning symbolizes hope and the dawning of a new beginning (Isaiah 43:18-19).

c) Joy is a Gift from God:

God delights in giving us joy, which is a reflection of His love for us (James 1:17).

d) Restoration is Part of God’s Plan:

God’s plan for us includes restoration and joy after our trials (Joel 2:25).

e) The Promise of Eternal Joy:

Ultimately, we have the hope of eternal joy in the presence of God (Revelation 21:4).

Biblical Example:

Mary Magdalene experienced deep sorrow after Jesus’ crucifixion, but she was filled with joy upon encountering the risen Christ (John 20:16-18).

4. EMBRACING THE JOY OF THE LORD

To experience this joy, we must actively embrace it in our lives.

a) Choose to Rejoice:

We have the power to choose joy, even in difficult circumstances (Philippians 4:4).

b) Cultivate a Thankful Heart:

Thankfulness fosters joy, as we recognize God’s blessings in our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

c) Surround Yourself with Joy:

Engage with others who uplift and encourage your spirit (Hebrews 10:24-25).

d) Meditate on God’s Word:

Scripture is a source of joy and encouragement (Psalm 119:111).

e) Sing Songs of Joy:

Worshiping God through music can lift our spirits and bring joy (Psalm 100:1-2).

Biblical Example:

The Apostle Paul and Silas sang hymns in prison, which led to their deliverance and joy (Acts 16:25-26).

5. LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF MORNING JOY

We are called to live as ambassadors of joy, reflecting God’s light in the world.

a) Share Your Joy:

Let your joy be a testimony to others about God’s goodness (Matthew 5:16).

b) Encourage Others in Their Trials:

Support and uplift those who are experiencing sorrow (Galatians 6:2).

c) Maintain an Eternal Perspective:

Keep your focus on eternal joy, which helps to navigate present struggles (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

d) Live in Community:

Engaging with a community of believers fosters a culture of joy and support (Acts 2:46-47).

e) Keep Your Eyes on Jesus:

Fix your eyes on Jesus, the source of our joy and strength (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Biblical Example:

The early church experienced joy despite persecution, drawing strength from their community and faith in Christ (Acts 5:41).

CONCLUSION:

Joy truly comes in the morning as we trust in God’s faithfulness and love. No matter the challenges we face, we can hold on to the promise that our weeping is temporary, and joy will emerge in due time. Let us embrace the joy that God offers and live as reflections of His light and hope.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Thank You, Lord, for the promise that joy comes in the morning.

2. Help me to hold onto hope during difficult times.

3. I pray for the strength to choose joy in every circumstance.

4. Lord, remind me of Your faithfulness in my life.

5. Help me to encourage others who are weeping.

6. May Your joy be my strength every day.

7. Teach me to reflect on Your blessings and cultivate a grateful heart.

8. Lord, fill my heart with the joy of Your presence.

9. Help me to share my testimony of joy with others.

10. May I always find joy in Your Word and in worship.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that joy will replace your sorrow in the name of Jesus.

2. The Lord will awaken hope in your heart, bringing forth morning joy.

3. You will experience new mercies every morning that lead to joy.

4. I declare that your life will be a testimony of God's joy and faithfulness.

5. You will be a beacon of hope and joy to those around you.

6. The joy of the Lord will be your strength in every challenge.

7. Your weeping will turn to rejoicing as you trust in God.

8. I declare that God’s promises will bring you lasting joy.

9. You will encounter divine restoration that leads to joy.

10. I proclaim that your mornings will be filled with the joy of the Lord.