How Do You Deal with the Grief Sin Produces?

Rekindling Words The cry of Psalm 51:12 is for restored joy. This verse invites us to consider the connection between forgiveness of sin and gladness of heart. As we reach the summit of David’s prayer for renewal, we are reminded that God is not only able but also willing to make us whole again. He promises to heal our brokenness and restore our souls, and he gives us delightful communion with him and greater joy through knowing him. True joy is found in the salvation of God and his strength in our weakness. The Restoration of Joy Let’s set our thoughts on the first line of Psalm 51:12: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” For us to feel the ache of David’s prayer, we must understand something of the condition in which he finds himself. His heart is heavy with sorrow. His soul is sad over what he has done. Sin is a joy thief. It is always hungry to steal, kill, and destroy the believer’s happiness and holiness. And when temptation claims the battle, joy is one of the first casualties. J. C. Ryle explained, “We are sadly apt to forget that there is a close connection between sin and sorrow, holiness and happiness, sanctification and consolation. God has so wisely ordered it, t...