Sunday, March 14, 2010

THE FULLNESS OF JOY: A GIFT FROM GOD

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness; according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." (Psalm 51: 1-12)

David discovered what we as believers all realize today - that if our lives are not pleasing to God, we will forfeit the joy we seek and the fellowship of the presence of Christ. No true child of God wants to live in such circumstances very long without desiring wholeheartedly to experience a new beginning. David's words are actually a prayer - a very powerful prayer at that. The desire to draw closer to God is necessary in all of our lives - and is absolutely required - in order for us to feel the joy of His presence in our lives.

My prayer this Easter season is that we all choose to hear the invitation to ask God to renew the right spirit within ourselves . . . and begin again to draw water from the well of our salvation . . . even Jesus Christ. Let us desire to receive His true gift of the fullness of the joy which He offers so freely to all who come to Him . . . believe in Him . . . follow His words . . . and serve only Him.