Podcast Summary: "Joy Always Follows God"

Podcast: Times Square Church - Sermons
Host: TSC.NYC
Speaker: Pastor Tim Dilena
Date: January 18, 2026
Episode Theme: The inextricable connection between the presence of God and true joy, explored through biblical examples, personal testimonies, and an invitation to experience spiritual revival

Overview

In this passionate sermon, Pastor Tim Dilena unpacks the biblical truth that real joy is found in the presence of God. Using stories from Luke 18 and 19, as well as moving testimonies from the Times Square Church community, Pastor Tim emphasizes that "Joy always follows God." The message challenges listeners to seek not mere happiness, but lasting joy that comes from a revived heart and an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. God’s Presence as the Source of Joy

• Contrast between happiness and joy:
  • “Happiness is untested delight. But joy is a delight that has been through the fire.” (07:35)
  • Joy is not the absence of suffering, but God's presence in the midst of life’s challenges.
• “If God is there, there will be rejoicing... When we are finding ourselves with no joy, it means that the presence of Jesus is not there.” (08:47)

2. Biblical Illustrations: Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus

• Luke 18-19 stories:
  • The “cursed” (Bartimaeus the blind man) and the “hated” (Zacchaeus the tax collector) were both considered outcasts.
  • Jesus encounters both, and each interaction leads to joy and transformation.
• Contagious joy:
  • “When you start praising, watch the people next to you. It’s incredible... I’ve watched people get infected with praise.” (14:17)
• Jesus calls us by name:
  • “He knows your name and he knows who you are. He knows where you are hiding. And you don’t need to hide from him. You just need to submit to Him.” (24:18)
• Zacchaeus’s conversion:
  • “Zacchaeus was converted between the branch and the ground. Something happened to this man from the branch to the ground. That’s how effective salvation is.” (26:26)
• Joy as evidence of encountering God:
  • “When you encounter Jesus, you discover joy. I’m just telling you, when you find Jesus, you find joy for the very first time because you’ve heard your name in your soul.” (26:58)

3. Revival: A Heart Reset

• The spiritual defibrillator analogy:
  • “Revival is like a spiritual defibrillator. It delivers that shock to this heart to reset its rhythm, restoring its normal heartbeat.” (28:51)
• Psalm 85:6:
  • “Will you not yourself revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”
• Warning against misplaced priorities:
  • “Some of you, your heart beats more for NFL playoffs... But when it’s all said and done, have they healed you?... Do they bring you more sadness than joy?” (32:22)
• True revival:
  • “Revival is this heightened awareness of heaven on earth. God is moving. It’s a new sensitivity that God is present, God is with us.” (34:25)

4. Modern-Day Testimonies of Revival and Joy

• Transformation stories:
  • Hindu woman discovers Jesus (“She has never encountered the resurrected Jesus until last spring when she showed up at church... Like Bartimaeus, her eyes opened up.” 17:34)
  • Letter from foster parents: Playing TSC sermons calms seven kids at bedtime (38:51)
  • Former prostitute’s testimony: “Weeks before I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior, I was ready to die. The devil wanted me bad... God didn’t let me pull the trigger because Jesus was about to pass by.” (43:30)
• Practical guidance:
  • “A revived heart has a heightened awareness to the Holy Spirit that he’s speaking, he’s present, he’s directing.” (39:48)
  • Sensitivity to sin and God’s leading

5. Everyday Encounters with God

• Story of ordering cake:
  • Seemingly ordinary moments (ordering cake) can be divinely orchestrated for spiritual encounters (praying for the delivery man) (47:19).
• “Sometimes you may not know if it’s hunger and cake or if it’s God, but God will help get it right.” (48:57)

6. Revival Leads to Outward Joy and Community Transformation

• Joy infects others:
  • Personal revival leads to revival in homes and communities.
  • “You have one man infecting everybody with praise. The other man, his home is about to be changed.” (64:10)
• Call for revived, joyful believers:
  • “If you’re not [joyful], we can’t hang out anymore. I want to look like Joy. I want joy inside of me.” (64:45)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Nietzsche anecdote:
  • “You Christians make me sick... You redeemed don’t look like you’ve been redeemed. You’re as fearful, guilt-ridden, anxious, confused and adrift as I am... But you people claim you have a Savior!” (06:05)
• On spiritual revival:
  • “There are some people, their heart has forgot to inform their face that it’s been forgiven.” (31:52)
• On joy vs. happiness:
  • “Happy is the emotion part. Joy is what’s deep down in the soul. Joy is what goes through the fire.” (56:45)
• Salvation invitation:
  • “If you’re here today, you find Jesus—everything changes. Not this church, not a denomination, I’m inviting you to a relationship with Jesus.” (66:42)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Notes | |-----------|------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Global greetings & opening remarks | Warm welcome to global audience, setup for the message | | 06:05 | Nietzsche story | Emphasis on visible joy reflecting inner transformation | | 09:00 | Happiness vs. Joy | Distinction between worldly happiness and lasting joy in Christ | | 13:15 | Bartimaeus story | Healing, praise, and the spread of joy | | 17:34 | Transition to Zacchaeus | Supposed connection between the two; seeking Jesus | | 21:27 | Jesus calls Zacchaeus by name | The power of being known and called | | 26:26 | Conversion of Zacchaeus | Key transitional moment—“from branch to ground” salvation | | 28:51 | Revival as spiritual defibrillator | Explanation from Psalm 85:6 | | 32:22 | Warning about misplaced priorities | Sports/fandom vs. God as source of fulfillment | | 38:51 | Testimonies of revival in everyday life | Foster family/sermon, online salvation stories | | 47:19 | Cake delivery story | God works through the ordinary | | 53:08 | Old gospel song: “The Windows of Heaven...” | Congregational singing, praise, and declaration of joy | | 66:42 | Invitation to receive Jesus | Direct call for personal salvation |

Notable Worship Moment

• The Windows of Heaven Are Open (53:08-61:25):
  • Congregation joins in spirited singing, reinforcing the message that the presence of Jesus brings deep, enduring joy regardless of circumstance.

Concluding Themes & Invitations

• The urgent need for revival: “Revive us again, Lord—set our hearts to beat for the things that truly matter.”
• Experiencing, displaying, and spreading joy: True joy in God transforms individuals, homes, and the community.
• Invitation to encounter Jesus: Not merely attending church or seeking happiness, but pursuing Jesus himself—“when you find Jesus, joy comes next.”

Takeaways for Listeners

• Seek Jesus, not just joy—joy is a byproduct of encountering Him.
• True spiritual revival reorders our heart’s priorities and restores joy, which can’t be manufactured by external things.
• Let your joy be infectious; your praise and story can change lives around you.
• God notices and calls you by name. He’s present and at work in ordinary details of life, longing to revive your heart today.

Recommended Next Step:
If you’re seeking the joy that only God can bring, reach out through Times Square Church’s online resources or visit in person for prayer and community.