Homilist Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation; and uphold me with your free spirit. I. THAT WHICH IS LOST — spiritual joy. It can be lost — 1. By lack of cultivation. You may sow a seed or plant a tree, but unless these are watered and cultivated they will die. Christian joy must be cultivated by prayer, praise, and growth in grace. 2. By indulgence in sin. He will withdraw from the sinner, and then the" sunshine ceases. 3. By want of faith. We often blame circumstances, etc., as we fall into the slough, when it is our own doubts that are shutting out the light. No one can rejoice who does not trust. Confidence is the root of peace and doubt the handmaid of torment. II. THAT WHICH IS SOUGHT — a restoration of that which has been lost. Not anything new. And this desire is natural. For — 1. The soul has experienced its preciousness. 2. The soul recognized that its loss involves the displeasure of God. Hence the petition so earnestly urged. It is the Divine anger that takes away the joy. This is a greater sorrow to the Christian than his own loss. No wonder that he seeks for restoration. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.WEB: Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit. |
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