Joy Restored
Saved — but not joyful.
Forgiven — but not fulfilled.
Secure — but not satisfied.
Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation.
What is the joy of your (God’s) salvation?
What is the joy of your (God’s) salvation?
-A deep, settled gladness that we belong to God
-A soul-level satisfaction in Christ
-A steady confidence that we are forgiven, secure, loved, and held.
John 15:11 – These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Do I have this JOY?
Have I grown spiritually numb?
Am I delighting in God or just coasting?
Has my heart become distracted, dulled, or divided?
James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
“COUNT IT!”
How do I get this joy ?
Psalm 51:7-8 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice
John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
How do I keep this joy ?
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
“The pursuit of joy in God is not optional. It is not an “extra” that a person might grow into after he comes to faith. It is not simply a way to “enhance” your walk with the Lord. Until your heart has hit upon this pursuit, your “faith” cannot please God. It is not saving faith. Saving faith is the confidence that if you sell all you have and forsake all sinful pleasures, the hidden treasure of holy joy will satisfy your deepest desires. Saving faith is the heartfelt conviction not only that Christ is reliable, but also that He is desirable. It is the confidence that He will come through with His promises and that what He promises is more to be desired than all the world.” – John Piper
Restore to me the joy of your salvation