Restored Joy

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

─ Psalm 51:12 ESV

Parenting is hard. Children test us in ways we never thought imaginable, but they also bring unexplainable joy. Whether you’re a mom or dad, there are times when your joy is sucked away in just a matter of minutes, and you’re left holding your breath.

You can easily become tired, discouraged and lose hope that some things will never change.  It’s because of moments such as this that prove why it’s so important to fill your mind with God’s truth. Scripture can help you to maintain your composure and to let go of resentment in your heart about the demands of parenthood.

Psalm 51:12 is a great one to keep at the forefront of your mind. God promises to restore the joy of your salvation, and uphold you with a willing spirit.

Another verse, Galatians 6:9, encourages you not to grow weary because – here is God’s promise to you – you will reap the benefits of labor if you refuse to quit. You can reap a harvest of children who love the Lord and are committed to live for Him.

Joy is coming because He promised it. It may not spring up in the next few moments, or even in the next few days, but you can trust that it’s on its way.

Today’s One Thing

God wants you to be a joyful parent. Take time today to meditate on God’s promises of joy. Here’s a few verses to get you started.

• Psalm 32:11 ESV – “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”
• Habakkuk 3:18 ESV – “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”
• Jeremiah 31:13 ESV – “Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.”

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