Psalm 51:12 (NASB)
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NASB)
10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

The idea of repentance is minimized in the world today, even in many churches. People don’t like to think about the negative; they would rather focus on the love of God, the joy of salvation, the gifts that God brings to us that makes our lives happy.

What we have lost is the joy that comes from repentance. It is one of the great gifts of God.

When Nathan exposed David to the sin that he had committed with Bathsheba, David repented of his sin, recognizing that he had sinned first and foremost against God. I know we aren’t all writers of song and poetry, but David not only repented and was forgiven by God, he was drawn to write about it in Psalm 51. Yes, he was contrite and repented of the sin, but David also knew that in the aftermath of that repentance, he would be blessed with the great joy of God’s salvation. I know what some of you are thinking right now. The consequences of David’s action cost him the life of his son. We do have to deal with the consequences of our actions in this life, but David also knew that because He had a personal relationship with God, that he would eventually taste salvation with God in heaven one day.

Paul told the church in Corinth about the sorrow of this world without repentance. It leads to regret – an emotion that can eat away at our souls. But repentance as a child of God will lead us to joy.

What an amazing gift God has given to us through repentance. It eventually brings us joy and it brings glory to God. I know I have a lot to repent of in my life. Knowing this amazing gift, it amazes me that I don’t always run to Jesus every day as the Holy Spirit convicts me of my sin.  Only then after repenting freely and honestly with God, can I savor the joy that awaits me.

Holy Spirit, show me my sin. Jesus help me to run to you each day with a repentant heart. God, may you be glorified in my repentance. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,