September 14, 2019 BEING RESTORED
Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.”
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
No doubt there will be times when we are in need of being restored spiritually and physically. We do not need to feel as though we are the only one who has such a need; many of the writers of the scriptures also found themselves in a place where they needed restoration. Going through a season of difficulty and trial, sickness, loss of a loved one, etc. may result in one losing a sense of joy and hope. There are other factors that may rob us of joy; neglecting the reading of God’s word, not seeking the Lord first, living unto self, isolating ourselves from other believers, and not understanding our true identity in the Lord. The good news is that God has made provision for us-we can be renewed or restored and we can again experience the joy of the Lord. A starting point is to confess to God that we are not experiencing the joy that comes from Him and that we are spiritually dry. It is absolutely key that we do not live according to our emotions but according to truth and to what is the right thing to do. Whether we ‘feel’ like it or not, we must set our heart on being restored and regaining the joy that comes from the Lord. Some very practical things that put us on the track of restoration includes-reading the word of God and asking Him to speak to us as we read; obeying His word; praying-talking to God and being honest; listening to worship music; talking to other believers and asking them to pray for us; finding a way to bless someone else; and making the choice to think healthy thoughts. When you experience depression and/or a lack of joy, do not condemn yourself-but do commit to taking the steps that lead to restoration. God knows that man is frail apart from Him and He has made every provision for us to walk in His love and His joy. He does not condemn us, but leads us in the way of life.
1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Psalm 43:5 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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