Restored Joy (Psalm 51:11-12)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 51:11-12

A few days ago, I wrote of how I sometimes see spending time with God as just another “to do.” I sometimes lack the joy in just being with Him.

How blessed I am that, even when I neglect Him, He never does so with me. He will never “cast me away from [His] presence.” Never will He “take [His] Holy Spirit from me.”

I can pray—as I sadly so often have to do—for a restoration of the joy of His salvation, knowing He will “uphold me by [His] generous Spirit.”

All I have to do is ask. He’s there, by my side, and He lovingly and graciously restores my joy. It may be an answer to prayer. It may be a call from a close friend. It may be a verse that touches my soul.

When I feel His presence even more intimately, my joy is restored. Each and every time.

Are you feeling a lack of joy? Ask God to remind you of His presence, His salvation, and His grace.

Cast Down and Disquieted (Psalm 43:5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 43:5

Well, yesterday was one of those "cast down" and "disquieted" days. A bad flare-up kept me flat on my back most of the day. I have to admit: I don't like those days very much. (Oh ... you can't read sarcasm, can you ...?)

To "add insult to injury," Saturday was a great day as I lead worship at a conference and was inspired by godly women. I had felt a renewed desire to spend more time with the Lord and strengthen my faith.

I guess I shouldn't be very surprised that yesterday ended up to be such a lousy day. It often seems like just when we who follow Christ reach a new level of faith, the enemy of our souls attacks. I know he's not omnipotent or omnipresent like our Lord is, but he has been given a certain amount of power, and I imagine he sends his demons out to cause havoc whenever possible.

So, maybe yesterday was an attack when I was feeling a spiritual high. Or maybe it was just a result of a more stressful week than usual.

In either case, I knew I had a choice to make. I could wallow in the pain ... or I could continue to trust God's care of me. I could find hope and peace and, yes, joy in the pain. I chose to trust Him.

I chose—and I choose—to put my faith in Him, knowing that He will help me through those not-so-good days. I choose to praise Him.

Even on days like yesterday.

Restore My Joy (Psalm 51:12-13)

Today's scripture: Psalm 51:12-13

If you’ve been a Christ-follower a while, you may have fallen into a spiritual rut. You have your quiet time. You go to a Bible study each week. You serve at your church. It’s all good, but you feel a bit … stagnant.

Ever felt that way? I certainly have. It’s not a lack of faith; it’s just, well, like any relationship. You sometimes take that other person for granted, or you let the worries of the world take your focus.

If you haven’t felt like this yet, you likely will in the future. And when you do, verse 12 is a great gem to keep in mind.

You can pray, “Lord God, please ‘restore to me the joy of Your salvation.’ Remind me of the awe I felt when I first met You. Help me to feel the overwhelming wonder of knowing that the God of all creation is my Father.”

He’ll abundantly overflow your heart with His love. And when He does, you’ll want to share your joy with others. 

Don’t get stuck in a rut. Don’t take God for granted. Instead, pray for restoration of heart. And then spread the joy.