Joy Restored

“Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51:15-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sin will interrupt one's ability to praise God. Sin separates us from fellowship with Him. David knew that things were not where they once were with His Master. The only resolution was repentance. Ritual, liturgy, creeds, etc. cannot make us right with God! God doesn't want our forms and fashion. He wants our hearts!!  Take a look at what Psalm 66:18 says: “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭66:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Now read this:  “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Repentance of sin brings us back into close fellowship with God. Once we are reconciled, Praise is acceptable to Him!  In Joshua chapter 7 we read about a man named Achan who took things that belonged to God when the children of Israel had conquered Jericho in chapter 6. His sin caused the whole army to be defeated by Ai, a much smaller foe. Sin in the camp had its affect. Only when the sin was identified, and dealt with, could Israel gain the victory. Sin must be dealt with in our lives as well. When we identify it, deal with it in truth, and repent, we can become victorious in our endeavors. In Jesus, we have an advocate. He pleads our case in the court of Heaven.  “My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭NLT When we enlist His help, we find pardon for our past, power for the present, and a bright prospect for our future! Mercy is extended and grace imparted!! Amen!! Praise God!!! David had committed gross sin, yet forgiveness was his when he turned to God in repentance. God restored the joy of his salvation!  Do you need your joy restored?