Psalm 51:12a Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation

Restore – To bring back, to recover, to return, to revive; to resuscitate; to bring back to life.

Joy - The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; … gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits. Webster’s 1828

King David did not have the joy of the Lord in his life for a year or so. Sin and joy do not mix. Psalm 51 is David’s prayer repentance for the sins he had committed a year earlier. David remembers the joy he once had as he walked with God. He probably remembers especially the joy he had as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 6:14…

David realizes that he cannot manufacture the joy he desires. He must receive it from God. He desires for God to revive him and restore him to the fellowship he had with God before his sin. Before this prayer of repentance, David felt guilt and shame; he was spiritually depressed. It is his hope and prayer that God will restore him and cleanse his soul. He wants the joy from God back in his life. 

When we have the joy of the Lord in our life, we can be a testimony to others: Psalm 51:13  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry