The God of All Encouragement - Part 1 (Santosh Poonen)

The joy of the Lord comes only through mourning (Matthew 5:4). Most people in this world are pursuing a "joy" that feels good. You know you have the true joy of the Lord when it gives you strength in the midst of your affliction (Nehemiah 8:10). Jesus more than just "wept" once or twice (John 11:35); He was called a "Man of Sorrows" and was well-acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). Hallelujah... what a Savior! Jesus is our “dictionary” for all spiritual concepts, so when we look at Him we learn what it means to mourn... 1. Mourn to be saved from sin: get desperately serious if sin is ruling over you (Psalm 13:1-5; 6:6-10); don't give excuses or blame anyone else (Psalm 32:1-6,11); weep and mourn, then God will exalt you over your spiritual enemies (James 4:7-10); weeping is an indication of deep grateful love (Luke 7:37-39). 2. Mourn over any break of fellowship with the Father: Jesus sweat blood over this (Matthew 26:38; Luke 12:50); Jesus endured the cross for the joy before Him (Hebrews 12:2)