There are times when we do not appreciate the value of something until it’s gone. In the Old Testament, David’s Psalms reveal that he had a deep and intimate relationship with God. He experienced a desperate sense of loss however, after his egregious sin with Bathsheba. He then compounded the problem by murdering her husband to cover up his sin. Psalm 51 chronicles his anguish as he sought to renew his relationship with God. David pleaded with God for restoration, confessing the loss of his vibrant relationship with God,

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:12)

This verse revealed David’s desire to restore the joy of God’s salvation in his life. The word “restore” conveys the idea to make like new and implies a restoration to a former state of that which had been lost. David was burdened with the guilt of his unconfessed sin. This same Hebrew word for restore is translated as “renew” in verse ten,

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Salvation implies not only deliverance and rescue, but also freedom and personal well being. Do you know the joy of God’s salvation? A proper understanding of salvation leads to joy inexpressible in our lives,

and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (1 Peter 1:8)

Joy is our ability to trust God regardless of our circumstances, whereas happiness often depends on our circumstances. Our comprehension of the joy of God’s salvation in our lives is one of the greatest safeguards we have in keeping us from sin. When we have truly experienced the joy of God’s salvation, there is no earthly pleasure that could come close. The hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, captures the joy of an intimate relationship with God, “And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

David realized that he had lost his intimate relationship with God and he desperately longed to restore that relationship . David knew that only God could restore his joy. People may seek many substitutes for joy, but they all fall short – wealth, fame, or achievement are inadequate compared to a vibrant relationship with God.

David also asked God to sustain Him with a willing spirit. The word sustain means to uphold as it described David’s desire for God’s support in his life. As long as we have unconfessed sin, we will not experience God’s joy. Sin brings sorrow, but confession brings freedom. Are there any hindrances in your walk with God? When you are experiencing the joy of God’s salvation it will change your life and the lives of others,

Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You. (Psalm 51:13)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5