Scripture to Read: Psalm 51:12–13
We have much to be thankful for as followers of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ (Messiah). When we sin, we know we must repent (turn back to our Lord) and confess our sin (1 John 1:9) to stay in right fellowship with our Lord. Our relationship with our Lord never changes, for we will always be His children, but our fellowship with Him is broken when we sin, for we have willingly grieved and quenched Him (Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19). But for David, since God’s Holy Spirit didn’t permanently indwell followers of God yet, David had to ask for what we know we already have in Christ. God had David write in Psalm 51:12–13, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.” We have been restored with the joy of salvation through Christ in us and we never lose that joy, for He is our Joy! Because of what we have, God has called us to teach those who still do not know Him—that is why we must pray daily, Ephesians 6:19–20, asking God for His words and boldness as we share Him with the lost. We must also pray Colossians 4:3–6, asking God for daily opportunities to share Him and to continually conduct ourselves with His wisdom toward every lost person. God desires to change the souls of the lost (1 Timothy 2:3–4, 2 Peter 3:9) and use us as He does.
Challenge & Application
· What do we never lose because of Christ living in us and knowing He will never leave us or forsake us?
· How does God desire to use us in the lives of the lost in this world?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!