Joy Restored

O. T. #713  "Joy Restored"
March 10, 2016
2 Samuel 1-Part 7
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Samuel 32:1

LET IT GLOW

I don't know about you friends, but I have had an extremely difficult week. I am always in need of your prayers. conflicts, struggles, trials are always bombarding us. I am empty and in need of being filled with the Joy of Jesus. Come with me and let's go down to pray at the River of Life, Jesus, and get washed and cleansed with the blood of Jesus. His amazing grace is available 24/7. David found his joy restored and so can we. How did he find it? Look with me.

David was confronted with his sins, confessed his sins, and was forgiven by God. Next comes the consequences of his sins. Before we get into that, let's look at his deeper confessions found in Psalm 32. (In Psalm 51:12, David asked the Lord to restore the joy of His salvation and make him willing to obey.) I wonder if David wrote Psalms 32 and 51 immediately after Nathan left him. Turn there with me as we rejoice with David.
What has David learned through this saga in his life?

• There is joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven and sin is put out of sight. (verse 1)
• There is joy for those whose record of guilt the Lord has cleared, for those who live in complete honesty. (verse 2)
• David describes the misery he went through before he confessed and stopped trying to hide his sins to God. (verses 3-4)
• David proclaims that he confessed his rebellion to the Lord and was forgiven, with all his guilt removed.(verse 5)
• Let all the godly pray to God while there is still time, so they don't drown in floodwaters of judgment. (verse 6)
• God is his hiding place, the preserver from trouble, giver of songs of victory. (verse 7)
• The LORD says, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. (verse 8)
• Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control. (verse 90
• Unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. (verse 10)
• Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey Him. (verse 11)
• Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure.  (verse 11) [Resource: New Living Translation]

Such beautiful words from the heart. How can you keep from smiling with David? Is he up dancing for joy? David found out that the joy of the Lord is our strength, as did Nehemiah in 8:10.

Joy is a word in the Hebrew language that means cheerfulness, gladness, in Ps. 51:8,12.
In Ps. 32:11 refers to joy as a shout, proclamation, shrill sound, cry, triumph.

Take time to pray before walking further with me down this road of faith.
I am feeling better already.

LET IT GROW

David needed his joy restored because he was about to face a very faith-challenging week ahead. When David go home that day, he found out his son, whose mother was Bathsheba, was deadly ill.
What did David do?

• He begged God to spare the child.
• He went without food.
• He lay all night on the bare ground.
• He refused when his elders of his household pleaded with him to get up and eat with them. (verses 15-17)
• When David's child died 7 days later, he got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes.
• He went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the LORD.
• After that, he returned to the palace and ate food.

David's advisers were amazed at his actions. They had been afraid to tell David about the death of the child, in fear of what drastic thing he might do, since David would not listen to reason during the illness of the child.

Read David's response in verse 22 with me: I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, "Perhaps the LORD will be gracious to me and let the child live." But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.

While the baby was alive, David had hope in the God who could heal him. When that was gone, David knew it was all over. There was no use in interceding for the child after he died. David released the baby to God. David's hope was that he would go to the baby one day. In other words, they would both be in heaven together.

Note that not all sicknesses or deaths are a result of our sins. Only God knows the reasons He has for such and we must trust Him in that department. Why's are sometimes never answered here on earth. Faith trusts in our merciful and loving Father.

Are you down today since your prayers were not answered like you hoped? God did not choose your way, yet He holds the answer that is best. Let Him hold onto you and restore your joy, sweet one. He can help you pick up the pieces and get back on the path of faith and joy. Let it come in time, if need be. God loves you and me. That is certain.

LET GO AND LET GOD...