Psalm 51:12-13, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee."

So very often we do not impact others for Christ because we do not possess the overflowing joy of salvation. David had sinned, and among the many things sin does to a believer is it robs him of the joy of salvation. Sin dulls our spiritual perception and muddies our relationship with God. David knew this and therefore prayed, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free spirit." It isn't your salvation; it is God's gift of salvation to you. You did not save yourself, God paid for your salvation through the death of Jesus on the cross. "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation!" The later portion of verse 12, "...and uphold me with thy free spirit," seems to indicate David is praying to be upheld by having a free or "willing" spirit. Often, we allow pride to stand in the way of our having a willing spirit, or a spirit that is surrendered to the perfect will of God.

So, when we have the joy of God's salvation, and a right spirit, one surrendered to the will of God, "then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." Barnes' Notes on the Bible states: "The best preparation for success in winning souls to God, and turning them from the error of their ways, is a deep personal experience of the guilt and the danger of sin, and of the great mercy of God in its forgiveness." David says he will teach transgressors the ways of God. How God reached out to him in love, in forgiveness, and in mercy. And it is then that sinners will be converted or returned unto the Lord.

Are you filled with the joy of God's salvation? Are you surrendered to God by giving your spirit willingly over to His leadership and guidance? If your not, you won't be teaching transgressors the ways of God, rather, you will teach transgressors the ways of your own disobedience.

May we see many converted to the Lord because we are joy filled with His salvation, and supported (upheld) with a willing (free) spirit.

Have a great day walking in the Joy of God's salvation.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. How does sin impact the heart in fellowship with the Savior and service for Him?

2. What precedes teaching people the way of salvation? Do you possess God’s joy?

3. What are the results when we fail to share the Gospel with others?

4. What are the results when we faithfully share the Gospel with others?