“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Psalm 51:10-12
Renew – Restore – Uphold. These three words are lavished with peace and power.
Do you remember how excited you were when you started living for God? I was fifteen when I received the Holy Ghost, and I told everyone I could about God’s love: my friends, the barista at Starbucks, people waiting at the bus terminal… everyone!
I lived out 1 Peter 2:9, “that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Praise was continually on my lips.
Over the years, my excitement has been ignited and quenched. The fire that once blazed vibrantly in my life has been stomped out by people’s opinions, criticisms, and even by my own insecurities and sin. My once effervescent passion for God has been tainted by the everyday happenings of life. The good news is that I didn’t have to stay in those places because God is a restorer.
Have you been there before? Maybe you are in this place right now. If you feel like you have lost your fervent adoration for God, there is hope. I encourage you to read and pray Psalm 51 aloud—God can renew and restore the joy of your salvation.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that you would restore the joy of your salvation in my life today. Remind me of where You have brought me from. I am thankful for Your grace and mercy in my life.
