Worship Folder

Outline

I. Shouts of Joy in the Past
Joy builds on God’s past acts of deliverance.

II. Shouts of Joy in the Future
Joy borrows from the coming fulfillment of God’s promises.

III. Tears for Joy in the Present
Joy is compatible with lament. Christians both sing and weep, sowing their tears in Jesus.

Resources

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Eugene Peterson 
Dark Clouds Deep Mercy, Mark Vroegop

Quotes

“Lament is the honest cry of a hurting heart wrestling with the paradox of pain and the promise of God’s goodness…Lament stands in the gap between pain and promise.” - Mark Vroegop

“One of the most remarkable things Christians learn is that laughter does not exclude weeping. Christian joy is not an escape from sorrow. Pain and hardship still come, but they are unable to drive out the happiness of the redeemed.” - Eugene Peterson

“All suffering, all pain, all emptiness, all disappointment is seed: sown in God it will, finally, bring a harvest of joy.” - Eugene Peterson

Discussion Questions

1. Where can you look back on your life and say, “The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad” (Ps.126:3)? Share your stories.
2. This psalm shows us that joy not only builds on the past, but it borrows from the future. Is there a specific promise of God that brings you joy?
3. For Christians, laughter and weeping are not mutually exclusive. We live in the “Already and Not Yet” of God’s Kingdom. Where do you feel this tension? 
4. Where do you feel like you’re sowing your tears right now? How does the promise of Psalm 126:5-6 bring you hope?
5. Where do you see Jesus in this Psalm?