Joy Restored

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

Joy is one of the first casualties of spiritual drift. It does not disappear loudly; it slips away quietly, replaced by duty, fatigue, and spiritual numbness. David’s prayer is not for new salvation, but for restored joy. He knows that sin dulls delight and distance drains gladness. Revival restores what sin steals.

Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances; joy flows from communion. David had lost the sweetness of walking closely with God, and he felt it deeply. A believer can remain orthodox, active, and faithful—and still be joyless. That absence is not a small thing; it is a warning light on the dashboard of the soul.

Notice that David asks God to restore joy, not manufacture it himself. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, not a product of effort. It returns when fellowship is restored and guilt is removed. When grace cleanses the conscience, joy naturally follows.

Joy strengthens obedience. Nehemiah later declares that “the joy of the LORD is your strength.” A joyless Christian grows weary quickly. A joyful Christian can endure hardship, opposition, and sacrifice because joy fuels perseverance.

Revival does not make life easier, but it makes it lighter. The burdens remain, but they are carried with hope. The road remains narrow, but it is walked with gladness.

Ask God today to restore the joy of His salvation. Not surface cheer, but deep assurance. Not temporary excitement, but settled delight. Joy restored is a sure sign that awakening is taking root.