Joy in the Mourning
August 27, 2023
We’ve all made exchanges. Whether it was a product purchased, a career change, or even a change of mind, most people have made the conscious decision to make an exchange. But what happens when someone wants to exchange their entire life for another? Is such an exchange even possible? Join us for the conclusion of Summer Palms Mixtape vol. 2 as we explore Psalm 30 and the joy that comes when we exchange our life of sorrow for an eternity of joy.
Passage
Psalm 30
Principle
Joy is the result of living an ##exchanged## life.
Practice
Exchange God’s momentary ##anger## for His everlasting ##favor##.
Exchange a night of ##weeping## for a new day of ##joy##.
Exchange ##mourning## for ##dancing##.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Describe the best team you’ve ever been a part of. What made it such a great team? How did you contribute to and benefit from that team?
HEAR
Read Romans 12:1-3
- What does Paul define as true and proper worship? How does this differ from what we often think of when we talk about worship?
- Can you give an example of how your mind has been (or is being) renewed?
- What does it mean to think of yourself with sober judgment?
- According to Paul, how can we know the will of God?
Read Romans 12:4-8
- What is Paul talking about when he speaks of “the body”?
- Take some time to talk about the different gifts represented in your group and in our church. How do these gifts work together?
Read Romans 12:9-21
- What do the characteristics listed in this passage have in common?
- Who in your group, family, or in our church exemplifies one or more of these traits?
- If you had to pick one of the characteristics listed in this passage to focus on over the next week, which would it be and why?
HUDDLE
What is one way you believe God wants to transform your mind? What do you need to surrender to become a living sacrifice? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Reading
As you follow this week’s reading plan, invite the Holy Spirit to show you how you can find joy through serving Him this week.
- Day 1: Romans 12
- Day 2: Psalm 99
- Day 3: Psalm 100
- Day 4: Psalm 103
- Day 5: Psalm 104
- Day 6: Psalm 113
- Day 7: Psalm 114
Think Deeper
- Are love and anger mutually exclusive? Can God be love and still be angry?
- Have you ever grieved your own sin? How can that grief be healed?
- What would it mean for you to exchange your life with Christ’s?
Suggested Reading
Reflections on the Psalms, by C. S. Lewis
The Songs of Jesus, by Tim Keller
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.