True joy is a gift from God.

“You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.”

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.”
Psalm 51:10-12 New American Standard Version

Birds always seem so free to me. They can take flight any time they want. They are masters of their destiny. They soar on wind currents, for Pete’s sake! They never have to ask for anything. Somehow the asking is tough for me. And asking for something as significant as restoration, or joy, or a clean heart or a willing and steadfast spirit… that is the most difficult.

It feels like I should come to God with a willing spirit already. I should already be heading in the direction of restoration. I ought to have my plan together to prove that I will remain steadfast… finally… this time for sure. After all, this is my heart we are talking about. Can’t I whip it into shape? Can’t I find a way to kick my willing into gear? It’s humiliating to have to ask again.

“Here I am God. I don’t really want to be here. I don’t have a plan of action or anything to offer You to show that I’m any more sincere than last time. I can’t even control my own heart so, create in me a clean one please. Do that thing that You did before where You restore me and cover me with Your grace. Have mercy on me and bring me into Your presence. Hold me close. Restore me and fill me with the joy that can only come from You. I’m done trying to work it up in myself. I yield to You. Make me willing Lord.”

Amen.

Text Copyright David Brukiewa
Picture Copyright Douglas P Brauner