Messages by Desiring God

David Mathis explores the profound relationship between joy and grief, emphasizing that they can coexist in Christ. He dives into the Psalms, highlighting how many originate from sorrow and lament. The discussion questions whether expressing sadness honors God, showcasing how godly grief, as seen in figures like Jesus and Paul, can reflect holiness. Faithful singing amid tragedy is exemplified through the hymn "It Is Well," reminding listeners that current sorrows prepare us for eternal joy.

Exploring the fullness of the Holy Spirit, John Piper contrasts spiritual awakening with drunkenness, emphasizing the importance of living attentively. He highlights the three 'Not...But' commands and explains how being filled with the Spirit combats folly. Piper urges listeners to seize daily opportunities for good while discussing how worship through music fosters community and personal connection with God. Practical steps for being filled with the Spirit are provided, encouraging genuine heart-driven worship.

Marshall Segal, President and CEO of Desiring God, shares his insights on enjoying Jesus through sexual purity. He discusses how personal purity enhances joy in Christ, while true joy empowers the pursuit of holiness. Centering on Matthew 5:8, he contrasts the deep fulfillment found in Christ against the fleeting pleasures of sexual sin. Segal also emphasizes the importance of heart purity and how believers are declared pure in Christ, encouraging listeners to cultivate habits that sharpen their vision of Jesus and connect them to God's true delight.

David Mathis | Where do we find more of God’s grace to increase our joy in Christ? God has created patterns for us to follow in reading, prayer, and fellowship.

David Mathis | When Jesus came to Bethlehem, and later to Jerusalem, he was not the king we expected. He was far, far better.

Joy in Jesus is an invitation and a privilege. Is it also a duty? John Piper lays out six reasons joy in God is essential to the Christian life.

Discover how saving faith sparks joy in Jesus as the ultimate treasure. John Piper challenges doubts about enjoying Christ, emphasizing that true faith leads to profound delight, even in sorrow. He portrays belief as a dynamic engagement of the soul, where receiving Jesus brings nourishment and satisfaction. The discussion highlights the transformational power of worship and its ripple effect on compassion for others. Ultimately, the call to continually receive and celebrate Christ as the source of joy is both uplifting and deeply encouraging.

Dive into the ups and downs of faith and joy as John Piper explores their connection and the fragile nature of spiritual experiences. He offers a six-stage pattern based on Psalm 40 for navigating spiritual lows, emphasizing the importance of crying out to God first. Patience and humble waiting are essential during tough times, as is the transformative power of rescue. Ultimately, Piper highlights how personal suffering can give rise to lasting hymns and lead others to faith through our stories of endurance.

Explore how Christians can respond to sin with brokenhearted boldness, inspired by Micah’s teachings. Delve into the tension between genuine confession and the danger of cheap grace. Learn the importance of accepting God’s indignation without excuses. Discover how confidence in God’s vindication can empower believers during tough times. Asserting a call for ongoing repentance, the discussion encourages embracing solidarity with God and trusting in His timing for relief.

David Mathis, a pastor and author focused on Christian spiritual practices, dives into the beauty of communing with Jesus. He shares how God's divine invitation quenches our thirst for spiritual fulfillment. Mathis emphasizes the importance of savoring Scripture through slow, unhurried reading and suggests a practical Bible reading plan. He encourages enjoying prayer as a response to God's voice and highlights memorization for deeper meditation. Ultimately, the goal is to know and relish in a loving relationship with Christ.