Restore Unto Me
As I travel across Texas working with congregations seeking renewal, I often begin our time together with a brief study of Psalm 51. David, when confronted with his sin of adultery, prays what is perhaps the best-known prayer of confession in all of human history:
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.”
I ask congregation leaders where in these verses they see themes of renewal. I’ve been struck at how often congregational leaders will hone in on verse 12 and talk about restoring joy. They will often recall a time when church was full of joy and when they personally were filled with joy. And the source of this past joy was the Gospel, the story of God’s grace and mercy. But somewhere along the line that joy has faded for many individuals and congregations alike, and has been replaced with a sense of burden or fear. It has become abundantly apparent to me that many have lost the joy of salvation.
While it is true that life can be full of troubles, the ultimate message of the Gospel is one of overwhelming joy in the victory of Jesus won on the cross. The troubles of this world should never conquer this Gospel truth. After all, in John 16:33, Jesus said “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
So how is it that believers in Jesus Christ have been weighed down by burdens and fears instead of uplifted by this Gospel joy? I believe that it stems from a lack of faith that tries to tackle the burdens of life on our own power instead of entrusting them to Jesus. In Matthew 11, Jesus invites us, saying “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
As believers in Jesus Christ, we need to embrace the promises of the Gospel, surrender our burdens and fears to Jesus, and live in celebration of the joy of salvation won by him! And I believe this type of joy-filled living is contagious: We can’t help but share this gift with others, and others will look at the joyful and say, “I want to live like that, too!”
So Lord, restore unto your faithful the joy of your salvation, and renew a right spirit within us. Then, like David, we can teach others your ways, and you can turn their hearts to you also. Amen.
Pastor Bryce Formwalt is the Director of Mission Growth for the LCMC Texas District. Residing in Georgetown, Pastor Bryce is available to coach congregations on mission. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments: 512-942-7776 or bryce@lcmctexas.org. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lcmctexas
© 2017 Bryce J. Formwalt, All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.
Aug 2017
