Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.
Psalm 51:12-13
David prayed this prayer in response to his separation from God caused by the murder of Uriah to cover up his sin of adultery with Bathsheba. Nathan confronted David about a year after it happened. For months David had been depressed. He wasn’t functioning well because things weren’t right between him and God. Finally, after an intervention, David comes clean about the sins he has committed. David’s confession/admission was just the beginning of his prayer. He went on to ask God to restore him to the place he had fallen from. David wanted it all back. This seems arrogant by our human standards except for one thing – David knew his total relationship with God was based on GRACE. (Revelation 2:5)
David remembered the high places from which he had fallen. He knew he hadn’t done anything to get there in the first place but love God and depend on Him. David turned to change His ways; He returned to his first love. He had seen Saul removed from ministry for refusing to repent from his sins. He does not want to lose his assignment or position so he repents from his heart.
Notice with me that David’s only responsibility is repentance. He acknowledges that salvation is God’s –the joy of Your salvation. He counts on God to support him – by Your generous Spirit. He recognizes the ministry he will give to others is sourced in the Lord – Your ways; converted to You. David does his part by repenting deep within the fiber of his heart. He counts on God to do the rest. Restoring the relationship, resourcing David, and returning him to ministry are all left up to God. Don’t get it backwards. Do the repentance. Stop trying to do the rest. Salvation (and its benefits) belongs to the Lord. (Revelation 19:1) Focus on repenting, it’s the part that belongs to us.
Lord, many times I have looked to You for restoration of joy when sin, the care of life, or walking in my own strength have worn me down. Thank YOU that you are the source of Salvation and all the benefits that go with it. Forgive me for trying to do things my way in my own power. When I depend on You for all my supply then I can minister effectively; then others are saved.
Restored To Joy,
Pastor Jason
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