Hebrews 12: 1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Most us know the basics of what a Christian life should look like on the outside. The behaviors and fruits that others should see. But if you’re like me, some days it just feels like you are trying to squeeeeeeze out that fruit in your own power with very little success.
Our ‘shoulds’ only get us so far. Sometimes, on a good day, they may even make it out of the church parking lot. But the things we delight and find joy in, those things motivate and carry us energetically forward.
In the Psalms, David asked for God’s help to give him a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:12
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
This sounds like a very pious request until our finger drifts up to the opening description of that particular Psalm to find that this request came hot on the heels of his total and complete betrayal and transgression against his loyal soldier Uriah and Uriah’s wife Bathsheba. It seems that David was painfully aware that he had thoroughly caved to his flesh and was in need of God to infuse in him a willing spirit to be able to obey God again. He knew that a willing spirit was rooted in taking joy in our salvation.
How fresh is the joy of our salvation?
For many of us, we first met Jesus many, many years ago and may not have a very spicy conversion experience. It can seem hard to take “joy in our salvation”, when, frankly, we don’t really remember being saved from anything.
In the weeks leading up to Resurrection Sunday, we will spend some time each week remembering what Jesus has saved us from and what he is saving us for. As we grow in both gratitude for his atonement and excitement for the everlasting life that awaits us, our capacity for joy as we celebrate Easter will blossom.
As we begin preparing our hearts for celebrating the finished work of Christ, here are a few questions to meditate on, take to Him in prayer, and discuss with your small group or accountability partner.
Lord, please show me what you’ve saved me from, even if I was a child when I started walking with you.
Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life. (from Ps.139 paraphrase, The Message)
Lord, please restore in me the joy of your salvation, tune my ears and eyes to see how you are working in my life and the world around me to redeem all things.
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