Day 16 Reflection: Restore the Joy of Salvation
Bible Text: Psalm 51:12 – “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
The joy of salvation is one of the greatest gifts God gives to His children. It is the deep sense of peace, assurance, and gladness that comes from knowing that one has been redeemed, forgiven, and reconciled to God. However, through sin, distractions, or spiritual complacency, believers can lose this joy. In Psalm 51:12, David, after his fall into sin, pleads with God to restore the joy of his salvation. His prayer reminds us that salvation is not just about being rescued from sin but also about experiencing the fullness of joy in God’s presence.
What is the Joy of Salvation?
- The Joy of Salvation is Rooted in God’s Presence
- Psalm 16:11 – “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
- True joy is not found in worldly achievements, possessions, or even religious activities, but in a personal and intimate relationship with God.
- The Joy of Salvation Brings Strength
- Nehemiah 8:10 – “…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
- When believers are full of the joy of salvation, they are spiritually strong and able to withstand trials, temptations, and discouragement.
- The Joy of Salvation Comes Through Forgiveness
- Romans 5:11 – “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”
- The joy of salvation is the result of knowing that our sins are forgiven and that we are reconciled to God.
Why Do People Lose the Joy of Salvation?
- Sin and Disobedience
- Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
- Sin creates a barrier between us and God, leading to guilt, shame, and the loss of the joy of salvation.
- Spiritual Complacency and Lukewarmness
- Revelation 2:4 – “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”
- When believers become spiritually cold and neglect their relationship with God, their joy fades.
- Unforgiveness and Bitterness
- Hebrews 12:15 – “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”
- Holding on to offenses and refusing to forgive others can rob a believer of the joy of salvation.
- Trials and Afflictions
- Psalm 42:5 – “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”
- Difficulties in life can sometimes cause believers to feel discouraged and lose sight of the joy they once had in Christ.
How to Restore the Joy of Salvation
- Repentance and Confession of Sin
- 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
- Just as David did in Psalm 51, we must acknowledge our sins, confess them, and seek God’s mercy.
- Renewal of the Mind and Spirit
- Romans 12:2 – “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
- We need to fill our minds with God’s Word, meditate on His promises, and allow the Holy Spirit to renew our spirits.
- Returning to God’s Presence in Worship and Prayer
- Psalm 100:2 – “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
- Spending time in heartfelt worship and prayer reconnects us with God and restores our joy.
- Living in Obedience to God’s Word
- John 15:10-11 – “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love… These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
- Walking in obedience to God’s commands brings a renewed sense of peace and joy.
- Fellowship with Other Believers
- Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
- Fellowship with other believers strengthens our faith and reignites our passion for God.
Conclusion
The joy of salvation is not a fleeting emotion but a deep and abiding sense of gladness that comes from being in right relationship with God. If we have lost this joy, we must, like David, cry out for restoration. Through repentance, renewal, and seeking God’s presence, we can experience the fullness of joy once again. May our hearts continually overflow with the joy of our salvation.
Prayer:
- Father, we thank You for the joy of Your salvation as (individuals, families, churches and nations) in Jesus’ name. (Psalm 51:12).
- Lord, have mercy upon us for all our ungratefulness and unrighteousness in Jesus’ name. (1 John 1:8-10).
- Lord, grant us the spirit of repentance that leads to joy and restoration in our souls in Jesus’ name. (Acts 3:19).
- Holy Spirit, transform our hearts to seek You diligently in Jesus’ name. (Psalm 119:10).
- Lord, remove any barrier that hinders our relationship with You, and bring us closer to Your presence in Jesus’ name. (James 4:8).
- Father, fill our lives with Your peace and joy. Let us be a beacon of Your light to others in Jesus’ name. (Philippians 4:7).
- Holy Spirit, help us to cultivate the hearts of gratitude and worship. Let joy overflow in our lives in Jesus’ name. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
- Lord, heal my brokenness and restore the joy that comes from serving You wholeheartedly in Jesus’ name. (Psalm 147:3).
- Lord Jesus, let Your love flow through us, transforming our hearts and renewing our spirits each day in Jesus’ name. (Romans 12:2).
- We destroy by fire, every power assigned to terminate our joy in Jesus’ name. (Isaiah 54:17).
- Father, empower us to rejoice in every circumstance, knowing You are always with us in Jesus’ name. (Philippians 4:4).
- Holy Spirit, continue to guide our steps and empower us to always walk in the joy of salvation every day in Jesus’ name. (Galatians 5:16).
- Lord, strengthen us to share the joy of salvation with others, drawing them closer to You in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 28:19-20).
- Father, let the joy of Your salvation be our strength in times of trouble in Jesus’ name. (Nehemiah 8:10).
- Holy Spirit, help us to always experience the fullness of joy found in Your presence daily. Thank You Lord, for answered prayers in Jesus’ name. (Psalm 16:11).
May the Lord restore and fill us all with the joy of His salvation in Jesus’ name. Amen!
