Restore to me the joy....

Joy is not a given in this life.  We all seek it.  We all want it for ourselves and for those we love.  But there is not a guarantee, even if we follow our Savior's very footsteps.  There is a lot to be unhappy about, if we want to be.  It is easy to get caught up in the negatives that inundate us from every corner in this world, and to focus on what is wrong in our lives.

Throwing a pity party for ourselves, while not pretty, is human nature.  I myself have, on occasion, engaged in that very behavior, all the while professing to trust God for my well being.  It is not edifying to admit to it, but it is certainly a common enough situation that everyone can relate to.

Today I heard a good question.  If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?  I found that an interesting way to think about how I live my faith.

Certainly for the last few days I would have a hard time showing evidence that I am faithful.  I have railed against some bad fortune I have recently experienced.  I have pitied myself.  I have complained and been miserable and had a multi-day temper tantrum about things over which I have very little control.  Even as I took positive action to control the main problem, I continued to whine about the fate which I did not want to deal with, and which, when all is said and done, will impact upon my life very little, hopefully.

I am reminded that God has promised to be there for us, and to help us through the harder moments of life.  In Psalm 51:12, we hear King David beseeching God to

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

This faithful servant of God, King David, chosen especially by God himself, was vulnerable to the depression of life which overtakes all of us at times.  But the important lesson I always learn from David is that he was willing to give it up to God and to let go of the angst.  That is what we need to do to restore the joy in our living.

Joy does not come from material things.  Joy is not found in a bank account or rare art or expensive clothing.  Joy does not come from what we have.  Joy comes from who we are, children of God, and our joy is rooted in the promise of eternity with him.  This temporary life will pass, and all the troubles we experience will be as nothing when compared to eternity with a loving God in heaven.

In this season of Lent, we are reminded to submit ourselves to the Savior who gave his all for us.  If we are willing to submit to him, we will have the joy of everlasting salvation and eternity in the presence of God, the source of all true joy in this life, and the next.

Sustain me, Lord Jesus, in the time of trial, so that I can feel the joy of your presence,  Amen.