Daily Devotional

Theme: Joy Restored by Mercy

Read Psalm 51:8-12; Philippians 4:9

“…Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 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...”

(Psalm 8,11-12)

Have you ever stumbled or hurt a friend, a colleague, or a family member (husband or wife)? In most cases, there is always a setback in fellowship or communication. Even if you reconcile, it takes a while to get back to that previous point of excitement. Second, it robs one of the inner peace and joy brought by that fellowship. It takes pardoning mercies (forgiveness) from the offended to restore the lost joy and peace.

King David had done what was pleasing to the Lord and was in good fellowship with Him until he committed sin by killing Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5). David was aware that King Saul, his predecessor, lost the kingdom because of sin. Now, because of his own sin, he experienced the loss of the joy found in the most meaningful relationship of his life. David’s sin affected his entire being: his eyes (v. 3), mind (v. 6), ears and bones (v. 8), heart and spirit (v. 10), hands (v. 14), and lips (vv. 13-15)—such was the cost of committing sin.

And now, he pleads with God to “restore” (hashivah), which in Hebrew means “to bring back to the previous state,” or “Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation,” or “Make me as happy as you were when you saved me.”_ CEV. This should be everyone's plea in times of loneliness or when we fall into sin. Our God is merciful; if we return to Him in repentance, He will restore us, and we will experience the joy of His fellowship.

As you pray, ask the good Lord to restore anything taken from you because of your shortcomings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Rev Godfrey Kyome