In Preaching Articles: "Having Joy"

My Joy In The Desert

By Marshall Segal on Jul 5, 2021

For most of us, the single greatest threat to our faith in God and his promises has been the miles we have walked in the desert.

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-13, 1 Peter 1:3

Tags: Desert, Joy, desert lessons

"Get To" Vs. "Have To"

By Lance Witt on Apr 12, 2022

I am not exempt from the needs of my humanity simply because I am a pastor or ministry leader.

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Tags: pastor, endurance with joy, rest in Jesus, fixing eyes on Jesus, Pastor  (view more)  (view less)

Preaching With Joy When The Church Is In Conflict

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 15, 2025

When arsonists burned his church, and rumors flew, this pastor still had to preach. His hard-won lessons on proclaiming the gospel with joy in the worst of times are practical and pastoral.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Isaiah 52:7, Ephesians 5:19-20, Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19-20  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Holy Spirit, Communication, Joy, Preaching, conflict, communication, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

The Weight And Joy Of Being A Pastor: Loneliness

By Josh Reich on Oct 8, 2021

If you talk to any pastor or his wife and ask them about friends, more than likely you will get a sad, longing look.

Tags: Counselor, Loneliness, Prayer General, Suffering Loneliness

5 Easy Ways To Multiply Joy In People Around You

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 25, 2022

I’ve been thinking this week about the place of joy in our lives. Mixed with hope, it’s an essential element for the perseverance of Christian leaders.

Scripture: 1 John 1:4, 2 Timothy 1:3-4

Tags: Joy, Perspective, Influence, Fruit of the Spirit, perspective  (view more)  (view less)

Why Your Pastor Seems Different From Everyone Else

By Joe Mckeever on Aug 25, 2021

Pastors who appear detached at funerals and weddings are not cold. They have simply done enough of both to understand what it costs to keep showing up, and they keep showing up anyway.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Romans 12:15, 2 Timothy 4:5, Acts 20:28, Galatians 6:9  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Joy, Preaching, Funeral, Preacher, Weeping, preaching, preacher  (view more)  (view less)

God’s Work In Your Depression

By SermonCentral .com on Jul 4, 2022

“Is this depression? I have almost no motivation for anything. I have been praying and I will keep praying for God to be my strength but how do you fight when you don’t feel like fighting?"

Scripture: Isaiah 43:2-3, Psalm 139:11-12

Tags: Emotions, Healing, endurance, Depression, Struggles, soul care, Fighting for Joy, Help for the Hurting  (view more)  (view less)

How To Worship In Times Of Sorrow

By Paul Baloche on Feb 10, 2021

Some of the hardest yet most inspiring times of worship occur during funerals. The raw emotions of sadness and loss are mixed with a sense of hope and eternal perspective.

Scripture: Psalm 42:5-6

Tags: Worship, Joy, Funeral, Sorrow

Joni Eareckson Tada’s Advice For When You Don’t Wake Up Feeling Happy

By Randy Alcorn on Aug 29, 2022

It’s true that we can’t make ourselves happy in God any more than a seed can make itself grow. But we’re not just seeds. We’re greenhouse farmers who can make sure the seed is planted, watered, and fertilized.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Corinthians 3:6

Tags: Perseverance, happiness, Joy, Hope, Depression, Sorrow, Melancholy, Fighting for Joy, Up lift  (view more)  (view less)

We Need A Theology Of Rest

By Lance Witt on Jul 26, 2023

You don’t have to be running at an insane pace to be running on empty. I think the primary issue here isn’t the size of your ministry or the pace of your ministry. The PRIMARY issue has to do with the health of your soul (your interior life).

Scripture: Proverbs 14:8, Exodus 33:14-15, Jeremiah 6:16

Tags: Wisdom, Rest, endurance with joy, spiritual leadership, entering God's rest  (view more)  (view less)

Preacher: Don't Forget The Benediction

By Ray Hollenbach on May 7, 2025

The benediction is not a dismissal but a declaration. In Jude’s closing words, we find assurance, confidence, and joy anchored in God’s preserving power.

Scripture: Jude 1:24-25, 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 2 Timothy 2:1-3, Ruth 4:1-15, 1 Corinthians 15:58  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Joy, Preaching, benediction, benefit, preaching  (view more)  (view less)

Some Things I Have Learned About Leadership–and Have The Scars To Prove

By Joe Mckeever on Aug 17, 2022

To serve people “for Jesus’ sake” means we ask Him how to serve them.

Scripture: Matthew 25:21-23, Romans 13:7, Luke 12:48, 2 Corinthians 4:5, Luke 22:27, Mark 10:43-44  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: leadership, serve others, pastoral leadership, selfish ambition, servant leadership, Humility and Pride, Leadership  (view more)  (view less)

How Can We Give Thanks In All Circumstances?

By Jon Bloom on Nov 25, 2025

"There is only one way. And Jesus both is the way (John 14:6) and shows the way."

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Tags: Grace, Thanksgiving, Joy, Hope, Christian Joy, Thanksgiving Holiday, giving thanks, in all things, grace  (view more)  (view less)

The Lost Art Of Feasting

By David Mathis on Nov 26, 2025

"Most of us have never given any serious thought to what it might mean to feast with Christ-honoring intentionality."

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Luke 14:13, Romans 14:5-6

Tags: Thanksgiving, Fellowship, Community, feast, Christian Joy, give thanks, thank god, Thanksgiving Holiday, community, fellowship  (view more)  (view less)

Do We Have To Be Perfect To Preach?

By Dean Shriver on Feb 9, 2025

True preaching power comes not from technique but from integrity. When our lives align with the truth we proclaim, God uses both our words and our example to change lives.

Scripture: John 1:14

Tags: Preaching, spiritual formation, Pastoral Integrity, Christian Leadership, preaching, Spiritual Formation, Expository Ministry  (view more)  (view less)