The Joy of God’s Salvation

Over the past two days, we’ve reflected on David’s prayer for forgiveness in Psalm 51. He prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” He recognizes that he needs to change.

Now, for some of us it’s recognizing that we need to change. But for others—there is another side to this. The problem is actually holding on to guilt, beating ourselves up with it, and not letting go. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of things that we’ve done or said—that we’d love to take back; those times when maybe we hurt someone—or hurt ourselves. All too often we just hold onto that stuff—nurse it, punish ourselves with it. We play it over and over in our minds.

I’ve noticed that people who can’t believe that God would ever really forgive them often have a really hard time forgiving themselves.

Which I believe must break God’s heart. Jesus came to set us free—free from hurting ourselves or others. And free from guilt. The good news of our gospel is that God says: let go of all that baggage. Let go of the guilt. Yes, make amends when you can, make things right if at all possible. But then let go and use that freedom to start over differently.

David prays, restore me to the joy of your salvation.

I don’t know what you might be holding on to, or where it is in your life that you need renewal. I think it looks different for each of us.

Is there something in your life that you need to let go of? Maybe there is something in your past—a past sin or wrong—and you’re holding on to it. Maybe it’s something that is distancing you from God—or from others. Maybe there’s guilt or shame. Whatever it is, I pray today that you would turn that over to God again. Trust God’s grace. And may you hear and believe the good news: in Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

Let us pray: God of grace, we want to experience your joy—your salvation and freedom. We ask again for your forgiveness for past wrongs and mistakes. Help us to let go of whatever it is that may be keeping us from you, or distancing us from others. Restore us to the joy of your salvation, and sustain in us a willing spirit. We thank you for the cross. We thank you for your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.