HAVE YOU LOST YOUR JOY?
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“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” – Psalm 51:12
King David pens Psalm 51 at a time of great distress in his life. He is experiencing deep sorrow over his sins… and resultant separation from the God he loves. He has lost his joy. This man after God’s own heart is distraught over the suffering he has caused. There was his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, his decision to send her husband Uriah to his demise on the frontlines in battle, and the death of the child born out of wedlock, the fruit of their adultery.
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love.” – Psalm 51:1
David pours out his heart in repentant, faith-filled prayer, broken and contrite over his sins. He cannot bear this crushing spiritual separation. Yet God does not want His children to remain in their brokenness, cut off from His favor and blessings. He forever desires to heal, forgive and restore. For He is altogether good and loving. Only the God of everlasting mercy can tear down the barrier that sin creates. He longs to replace the joy that has been lost… the joy of His salvation, salvation in Christ.
What can be discovered from this heartfelt psalm of David?
7 Reasons for Loss of Joy & How to Restore It
→ Living with Unconfessed Sin
Sins unrepented create a barrier between you and God, blocking your prayers. Perhaps your sins are not overt but less apparent… sins that have become a part of your life… comfortable sins you may not desire to give up.
“According to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” – Psalm 51:1-2
† Humbly Repent
Search your heart for ways you have fallen short of God’s mark. God is patient and understanding, wanting all to come to repentance. He is ever faithful to forgive. Deep happiness, peace and joy will come when in right standing with God… when sin no longer blocks the way.
→ Drifting Away from God
Consider whether you have been going your own way, stubbornly following your own path. You may be following your own light, ignoring the Spirit’s guidance. Or you may be wrapped up in the cares and problems of your world… forgetting the One who paid the ultimate price for your salvation.
“Grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” – Psalm 51:12
† Draw Near to God
Return to the Lover of your soul, the One who wants only the best for you. Reconnect in prayer. Pray, like David, for a willing spirit… a spirit that pleases God, that desires to follow His will instead of your own. Pray for His joy to sustain you.
→ Immersion in the World
Determine if you are blending in with the world, taking on worldly beliefs and ways. You may be caught up in the world’s distractions… or worshiping present-day idols, yielding to their subtle allure. Your passion to stand strong for the Lord may have faded.
“You desired faithfulness even in the womb; You taught me wisdom in that secret place.” – Psalm 51:6
† Dive into God’s Word
God desires that you separate from the world and its enticements. Seek the wisdom and truths in Scripture. Resolidify your beliefs. Refresh your spiritual passion. Reclaim your faith. Live as a faithful disciple of Christ and your joy will return.
→ Temptation from the Enemy
The ploy of the enemy is to lure you astray from God’s ways, following your own desires. You may be succumbing to the enemy’s lies and deceptions, forgetting the suffering your straying can cause for you and those you love.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
† Watch and Pray
Jesus gave this advice to His disciples (Matthew 26:41). For although the spirit is willing to obey, the flesh is weak. Remember, the enemy is the joy stealer. Prayer is your weapon. Be aware of possible temptations, however subtle. Stand strong. Equip yourself with the armor of God to resist the enemy and his lies. Pray for a spirit that is steadfast.
→ Wallowing in the Past
Mulling over past bad memories saps joy for the day. Perhaps you are replaying negative memories in your mind… or brooding over your past failures, disappointments, sorrows, pain, regrets and guilt. This can be hazardous to your spiritual health.
“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight.” – Psalm 51:3-4
† Live in the Present
Jesus carries your past. It is no longer your burden. Pour out your heart to God. Live each day as a gift from Him, as the blessing that it is. Step outside of yourself and give back. Being Jesus to others will allow you to forget your despondency and help you reclaim your joy.
→ Fearing the Future
Projecting fear toward the future depletes joy for the present. Perhaps you are anxious about the unknown. You may be paralyzed by worry or fear of what may happen, unable to move forward successfully with your life. Your faith may be eroding away.
“Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.” – Psalm 51:11
† Trust in God’s Sovereignty
The Omnipotent One rules your future. Seek His presence. For joy is the outward sign of the inward presence of God. He will never leave you or forsake you. Remember His power, His peace, His protection on your behalf. Place your wholehearted faith in Him.
→ Lacking Thankfulness
Failing to recognize and appreciate your blessings diminishes your joy. You may be seeing your lack instead of His abundance, causing dissatisfaction to set in. By looking only at what is missing or lamentable in your life can slight the generosity of God.
“Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice.” – Psalm 51:8
† Nurture a Grateful Heart
Reflect on your blessings that come from a gracious God, the One to whom you owe everything. He showers His children with gifts in abundance. Be mindful of appreciating His extravagance toward you. Cultivate a praise-filled life. For praise and thanksgiving will fill your heart with joy.
† Eternal Takeaway: God longs to restore to you the joy of His salvation †
