Do you remember when you were saved? Do you remember the joy that you had? The joy lasted for sometime after our salvation. When we think back to those days and months and even years we long to have that joy and excitement again. David prays in Psalm 51 for that joy to be restored.
Psalm 51:10-12 ESV Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. [11] Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. [12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
What is it that steals that joy from us? We are still saved but the joy seems to be less than before. For David it was sin in his life that had taken that joy. David asked for his spirit within him to be made right, it had gotten off the rails. The same is true for us. If we have lost that joy then it means an idol has crept into our lives. A lesser God has come into our lives and a lesser God (idol) always brings less joy.
What is it in our lives that is bringing us less joy but that we have elevated above God and His presence? If we want to get our joy back (the joy of our salvation) then we have to remove the idol from its throne and place God back where He belongs.
“Oh! For a Closer Walk With God” - William Cowper
Oh for a closer walk with God, A calm and heavenly frame.
A light to shine up on the road, that leads me to the Lamb.
Where is the blessedness I knew, When I first saw the Lord.
Where is the soul refreshing view, of Jesus and His word.
What peaceful hours I once enjoyed! How sweet their memory still!
But they have left an aching void, the world can never fill.
The dearest idol I have known, Whatever that idol be.
Help me to tear it from thy throne, and worship only thee.
So shall my walk be close with God, calm and serene my frame.
So pure light shall mark the road, that leads me to the Lamb.
I pray we examine our lives and see what idols are stealing our joy. We should tear it from the throne and worship only thee.
