Restore My Joy

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12:15AM April 11th on a cold windy night, my father-in-law passed from this earth into heaven. Twelve hours later we watched three of his great grandsons search Shiloh for Easter eggs on a bright sunny 75 degree afternoon. With Easter only a day away it was a sweet reminder of the joy of our salvation and the hope of the resurrection of our bodies yet to come.

 "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." Psalm 51:12

 Not sure who wrote these three paragraphs below, but on down trodden days they are excellent reminders.

 Refresh my joy** — God, I need you to remind me again of the lengths in which you have gone to save my sinful soul. Remind me again of the holy wrath I deserve, so that I can rejoice again in the precious mercy that has saved me. Cause this joy to overpower the dullness I feel right now.

 Restore my allegiance** — God, my heart is dull because my loyalties are wrong. I long for ease and comfort and for human praise, which empty my soul. As I acknowledge my sin, re-align my allegiances to your name and re-commit my devotion to your glory. Give me a “right spirit” (Psalm 51:10).

 Grant me willing obedience** — God, help me obey you today, not compelled by obligation, but willed by your Spirit within me. I desperately want to obey you and to experience the joy of obedience. I need a free and willing spirit — I need your free and willing Spirit. Uphold me in this, I pray.

 Today's promise.
"The Lord's compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23

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