Restore to Me the Joy!

Psalm 51:12

"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit."

"Restoration in the Bible is synonymous with healing, repairing, returning to a previous state of being." (Bible Study Tools)

David was well aware of the fact that sin and disobedience to God was robbing him of his joy.  Why? Because he sinned and one sin led to another.  First, he was not where he should have been.  Kings were at war that time of the year but he stayed home.  Second, he desired another man's wife and inquired about her. When he found out that she belonged to another man, one in his army, he still sent for her.  He slept with Uriah's wife - adultery.  He had wives as well.  

Third, he lied and brought Uriah back from battle so that he could sleep with his wife and think the child was his.  When Uriah refused to do so, on several occassions, he sent him back with a letter in his hands.  The letter contained the strategy for his murder.  

Sin caused him to lose his connection with God and his joy.  Nehemiah 8:10 says "Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy brings strength and peace. It refreshes you and makes your heart happy.  Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” David was broken for what he had done, once confronted by the prohet Nathan. He confessed his sin and asked God to restore him, take him back to the relationship they shared before this mistake.  He wanted to be close to God again. 

I don't know about you but joy makes me feel good.  When I can laugh and have a great time with my family and friends or by myself. I feel better when I am filled with joy, when I am connected to God.  The water always brings me a sense of peace and joy. Why? Because I can walk and talk to God about the wonders He has created and be thankful for all that He has done for me.  

Today, I pray that God will restore your joy and bring you peace. It will bring strength to your body, soul, and mind.  It will make you feel so much better. If you have anything standing between you and God, confess it so that you can have peace and joy.  God wants to restore your joy!!