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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

Renewal

August 13, 2010

Psalm 51:10-12
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.(NIV)

Yesterday’s devotion dealt with the relief we experience when God’s forgiveness removes the guilt that weighs so heavily upon us. When our sins are not confessed, it prolongs our pain. The Psalm verses above go a step further. David’s deep concern was that after he was forgiven, he hoped he could continue to serve God with a joyful heart the way he used to.

Sin drains the joy of living right out of us. Our days can become nothing more than going through the motions…dull, dry, and weary. How do we get our joy renewed?

Only the Holy Spirit working within us can fill us with a joyful eagerness to go about our work. David goes on to say that, once God has dealt with his sins, he will be ready to reach out to others who are in the same predicament of unforgiven sin that made him so miserable.

When God forgives our sins, they are truly and completely removed from us. The Bible says they are removed as far as the east is from the west. With this kind of full forgiveness, God sets us back on our feet and helps us to live our lives to the full.

What David prayed for – renewal of spirit and restoration of inner joy – he would also receive. God renewed him to carry his burdens and do his work with a willing spirit. God helps us to live, no longer dragged down by a conscience burdened with sin, but with the joyful confidence that He is our friend. To sinners who feel dead and dreary, God restores the joy of living.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving all our sins fully in Jesus. Restore our eagerness in serving You with glad and thankful hearts. Fill us with the joy of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rev. Michael Schempf, Chaplain – WI
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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