Pastor Welton Watson, Central Baptist Church
Psalm 51:8 “Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.”
As we continue the subject of “Requirements for Restoring the Joy of Salvation,” I want to finish this article with a couple more thoughts of consideration.
I know of no Christian that would not want to be in fellowship with God, but there are things that get in the way. In this Psalm, David is asking God for everything that will get him back into close and sweet fellowship with the Lord.
In the last four articles I have covered that it takes an examination, a purging, a washing, and the presence of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Today, we will look at verse 8 where we notice that it takes a “making” on Gods part. “Make me to hear joy and gladness.” Sometimes the noise of the cares of this life and the sins that have so easily beset us drown out the voice of God that we must hear if we are to have any joy and gladness. Many times, God brings us to a place of isolation just so he can get our attention. It is in those places or times when he makes us hear what he has to say. In the secret place of the Almighty, he reminds us of who he is and what he has done for us. That brokenness that is required in restoration will be replaced with joy and gladness.
The final point is that it “Requires a willing surrender on our part.” - Verse 16 “For thou desirest not sacrifice; else I would give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
It takes true repentance in humility of all our sins and shortcomings and a total surrender to his will and authority. Then the joy will be restored, and it will manifest itself in your life as verses 13 and 15 demonstrate: “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.”
I know this has not been an exhaustive study, but I pray it has helped someone who is struggling in their relationship with the Lord. I encourage further study of Psalm 51, and also Psalm 91, to find strength, encouragement, and joy in you Christian life.