Restore to me the joy of your salvation …

Psalm 51:12

Aging can be quite a challenge. Many of us have experienced some unsettling changes in the past year. In the midst of all of the changes and challenges of life that can diminish our Christian joy and peace, there is one thing we don’t have to worry about. We know, by faith and the assurance of God’s trustworthy Word, that our salvation has been fully accomplished for us by Christ.

When we pray with David, “restore to me the joy of your salvation,” we don’t pray for God to restore our salvation. That is a done deal, a gift of God’s grace. Rather, we pray for God to refresh us with His forgiving love and uplifting Spirit, thereby restoring to us the blessed joy and peace that come from knowing that we belong to Christ, no matter what may come our way.

Gil Duchow
Muskego, WI

Gracious Lord, on those days when I feel discouraged or disheartened, restore to me the joy of my salvation. Amen.

Reflect: Read a Psalm each day, asking the Holy Spirit to refresh your faith and increase your joy in Christ.

Read: Psalm 51:1-17 and Philippians 4:4-9