The Right to Joy
The sermon emphasizes that true joy is rooted in our relationship with God and is available to all who believe in Him.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of rejoicing in God's help and finding joy in His presence, emphasizing that as faithful followers of Christ, nothing can destroy our hope. She questions why those who have surrendered to God are not always cheerful, highlighting that true happiness comes from God's goodness and should not be hindered by earthly troubles. Tileston encourages believers to look upward and rejoice on their journey homeward, praising the God of love who is their safety and joy.
Text
Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice.
PSALMS 63:7
ON our way rejoicing gladly let us go;
Conquered hath our Leader, vanquished is our foe!
Christ without, our safety! Christ within, our joy!
Who, if we be faithful, can our hope destroy?
On our way rejoicing as we homeward move,
Hearken to our praises, O Thou God of love!
J. B. S. MONSELL
I CANNOT understand why those who have given themselves up to God and His goodness are not always cheerful, for what possible happiness can be equal to that? No accidents or imperfections which may happen ought to have power to trouble them, or to hinder their looking upward.
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
Why should we go to heaven weeping, as if we were like to fall down through the earth for sorrow? If God were dead (if I may speak so, with reverence of Him who liveth for ever and ever,) we might have cause to look like dead folks; but "the Lord liveth, and blessed be the Rock of our salvation." None have right to joy but we; for joy is sown for us, and an ill summer or harvest will not spill the crop.
SAMUEL RUTHERFORD
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the source of joy - The role of faith in experiencing joy - The contrast between worldly sorrow and spiritual joy
- II points: - The importance of gratitude in our lives - How to cultivate a joyful spirit - The impact of joy on our relationships with others
- III points: - Joy as a reflection of God's presence - The eternal nature of joy in Christian belief - Encouragement to share joy with others
Key Quotes
“Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“None have right to joy but we; for joy is sown for us, and an ill summer or harvest will not spill the crop.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“If God were dead... we might have cause to look like dead folks; but 'the Lord liveth, and blessed be the Rock of our salvation.'” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Focus on your relationship with God to cultivate a deeper sense of joy in your life.
- Practice gratitude daily to enhance your awareness of the blessings around you.
- Share your joy with others to create a supportive and loving community.