4 Minute Read + Scripture readings

Today’s Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 3
1 Corinthians 14
Ezekiel 12
Psalm 51

Today’s Bible Verse(s):

Psalm 51:12 (CSB): “Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.”

Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):

Psalm 51 is rugged and honest. David, who penned it, had engaged in lust and then sex with another man’s wife and then took measures (including murder) to cover it up.

This psalm gives us insight into the internal turmoil that David was experiencing. He knew that what he had done was utterly wicked and violated God’s laws. He felt utterly filthy and in need of cleansing. He felt depressed. He was physically weakened by that depression. He felt distant from God.

This Psalm reminds us that sin (whether big or small) will cause havoc in our spirits. Between our conscience and the Holy Spirit, the Jesus-follower will not be able to get past the sin. Everything in us demands that it be dealt with. If we can repeatedly sin and not be bothered by it, we aren’t God’s children (see Hebrews 12:5-8).

In our Verse for Today, we see one of the desires that brought the Psalmist back to the Lord. He wanted his joy back. He wanted to experience and be happy in the relationship he had previously had with his God. He wanted God to “restore the joy of your salvation to me.”

Our relationship with God is something that is intended to bring us happiness. It is intended to satisfy a deep longing within our spirit. And that joy is strangely absent when we have sinned (or are sinning) and have not taken steps to make it right.

Do you want to be restored to the joy, the happiness, of God’s salvation? Is there some unconfessed sin(s) that is the reason for the loss of joy? Then reread Psalm 51reflectively and allow the words of that Psalm to be your own words offered up to God. Call out to Him, asking Him to restore your happiness.

Here’s another idea … why not consider reading through Joel 2:12-14 and hear God giving you some steps to come back to Him.

Joel 2:12–14 (CSB): “Even now—this is the Lord’s declaration—turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind him, so you can offer grain and wine to the Lord your God.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Lord Jesus, part of the time I don’t take my sin seriously enough. And, at other times, I grovel in guilt even though I’ve repented. Help me to feel the weight of sin but also to enjoy Your cleansing forgiveness that covers me the moment I turn from my sin and repent. I want my joy back, Lord. Amen.

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