RESTORING AND RETAINING THE JOY OF OUR SALVATION

IN THE DAYS OF HIS POWER SERIES.

TOPIC: RESTORING AND RETAINING THE JOY OF OUR SALVATION

SERMON BY-:
Rev. Innocent Chukwudi Peace-Udochukwu
President Living Fountain Ministries Int’l LIFOM

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
Psalm 51:12

THAT THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF SALVATION IS ACCOMPANIED WITH A GREATER OR LESS DEGREE OF “JOY.” Salvation is a deliverance from the greatest danger the soul can apprehend, and is, therefore, a cause of the most rapturous joy the soul can feel. It is preceded, in the majority of cases, by terror of the Divine anger; by the despair awakened by guilt; by the deep sorrow which distraction brings after it; till the revelation of the Divine mercy through Jesus Christ is embraced, and the way of escape is known, and then the soul is unable to restrain its joy. This is the outward aspect of salvation. Salvation as an inward fact is the enjoyment of a new state of the affections towards Christ, or love to God. And this is a perpetual spring of ever-increasing joy.

“To dig a straight furrow, the plowman needs to keep his eyes on a fixed point ahead of him. That keeps him on a true course. If, however, he happens to look back to see where he has been, his chances of straying are increased. The results are crooked and irregular furrows … Fix your attention on your … goals and never look back on your earlier problems … If our energies are focused not behind us but ahead of us on eternal life and the joy of salvation we assuredly will obtain it.”
— Howard W. Hunter —

In the Old Testament, salvation was obtained through the law of Moses, which required obedience to a set of rules and regulations. However, in the New Testament, Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and brought about a new covenant, in which salvation is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ. So when David asked for the restoration of his joy of salvation, he was asking for the restoration of his relationship with God, rather than a literal salvation from sin.

The “joy of salvation” refers to the sense of peace, fulfillment, and hope that comes from having a relationship with God. In the Bible, it’s often described as a deep sense of gladness and contentment, as well as a feeling of being reconciled to God.

This joy is said to come from knowing that you’re forgiven and loved by God, and that your sins are washed away.

Talking about the joy of salvation, There’s difference between earthly happiness and spiritual joy. Earthly happiness is based on our circumstances and external factors, while spiritual joy is based on our inner relationship with God.

So even if our circumstances are difficult, we can still have joy in knowing that God is with us and has a plan for our lives.

The Bible says, when they came out of the water, the Holy Spirit caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more. In spite of this sudden disappearance, the Eunuch went on his way rejoicing. This is the Joy of Salvation.
Acts 8:39

Salvation though faith in Jesus Christ is an experience that brings deliverance, restoration and preservation. It is a deliverance from the grip of Satan, a restoration from eternal shame and a U-turn from the pit of hell. Salvation and the joy of salvation are closely connected though separable. Joy is the natural fruit of salvation, which must be possessed and experienced. It is a foretaste of heaven
(1 Peter 1:8). Unfortunately, not many people have this joy, including those who attend Church services regularly.

The Joy of Salvation, though no one can take it from the Christian (John 16:22) can be lost. This can be seen in the life of David. In Psalm 51:12, David pleaded with God to restore it back to him because he lost it. From David’s experience, it can be lost through:

• The practice of sin.
• Presumption and carelessness.
• Indolence. The laziest man is the most miserable and the most easily tempted. Work is healthy. The most faithful Christians are the most joyful.

If you claim to be born again and you do not have this joy, it means something is definitely wrong. No one who is genuinely saved will lack this joy, even when going through the trials of life.

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.”
Psalm 51:1

Sin and disobedience had run its course in David’s life through his sin with Bathsheba, who was the wife of Uriah the Hittite.
Rebellion, adultery and murder had caused tremendous problems in the life of the Psalmist.
He was tired of sin and its consequences.

Sin hardens. Hard hearted people are certainly not joyful people.

One of the key ways to retain the joy of salvation is to focus on our relationship with God, rather than our circumstances. That means spending time reading the Bible, praying, and worshiping God. It also means trusting that God is in control, even when things don’t go the way we want them to. When we keep our eyes on God, we can find joy and peace, even in the midst of difficult times.

Gratitude is a key part of maintaining the joy of salvation, but it’s also just good for our mental health. Research has shown that gratitude can improve our happiness, reduce stress, and help us cope with difficult situations.

One of my favorite Bible verses on gratitude is 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which says “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
This verse reminds us that gratitude is a part of God’s will for our lives, no matter what we’re going through. Another great verse on gratitude is Psalm 100:4, which says “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
This verse encourages us to always come to God with a heart of gratitude.

Well, I’d like to finish up by emphasizing that the joy of salvation is something that we can experience no matter what circumstances we’re facing. Even when life is difficult, we can find joy in our relationship with God and in his promises for our future. God doesn’t promise us a life free from pain or struggle, but he does promise us his presence and his love through all of it. And ultimately, that’s what gives us joy and hope.

It’s my hope that these verses and this discussion have helped you understand the importance of gratitude and the joy of salvation. Remember, God is with you always, and he wants to fill your life with his joy and peace. Hold on to that truth, even when it’s hard.

Restore the Joy!

If you are struggling this Morning.
If you lack Joy and happiness in your life.
I have good news for you.

God can Restore our Joy. God can breathe New life of Happiness to you.
And if you feeling heavy and far from God. And you lack encouragement this morning God can and he will fill you with HIS Joy.

David knew that the lord responds to Repentance and it results in Joy and Gladness.

SHALOM!

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