Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
—Psalm 51.12
From a lectionary reading for Lent 5: Psalm 51.1-12
Reflection for Friday, March 23 (Day 27 of Lent)
And this is, after all, what the psalmist desires: not to wallow in his sins or berate himself eternally for his brokenness, but to rest in the God who does not abandon him. To rejoice in the God who knows all the broken pieces and who holds them in mercy and love. To enter into the restoration that God is always working to bring about.
How do you lean into this joy? How do you open yourself to let it in, even when you don’t feel whole? How do you welcome this joy that is present even in the midst of brokenness, this joy that is part of how God works within us to put the pieces together? Is there some place in your spirit that needs to be more willing, that needs God’s sustenance in order to live into the salvation—the wholeness, the deliverance, the freedom—that God intends for you?
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March 23, 2012 at 11:56 AM |
This is absolutely beautiful and exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you!
March 23, 2012 at 2:48 PM |
Thank you, Sarah! And thank you for your beautiful blog! It sounds like you are in the midst of an amazing arc into a new place in your life. I wish you many blessings, deep wellsprings of creativity, and a wondrous adventure.
March 23, 2012 at 1:06 PM |
I leave shortly for a retreat weekend with a friend. The Lord has been whispering to me about joy. I think I shall take this reflection with me. God’s Spirit is impeccably on time. Thank you.
March 23, 2012 at 2:49 PM |
Thank you! So glad that God has been whispering joy to you. Blessings on your retreat!
March 23, 2012 at 2:33 PM |
Joy runs deep like underground streams. Not like happiness that can be fleeting. Joy resides with contentment and peace and the quieting of the inner self and doubts placed before the God who loves us.
March 23, 2012 at 2:49 PM |
Amen, sister. Thank you!
March 23, 2012 at 11:15 PM |
I hear the Psalmist say, “Take joy…” Thus contribution helps me to see and to feel it. I was blessed today by a good report from a doctor. I am leaning in to the joy! Energy from the Spirit keep you going in the days we have left in Lent.
March 23, 2012 at 11:25 PM |
Thank you and bless you, Elizabeth! I’m rejoicing with you over your good report from the doctor. Thank you for your prayers for energy in these remaining Lenten days; very grateful!