Request for Restoration

Posted on Sep 12, 2016 Topic : Weekly Devotionals

You have rejected us, O God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us!

PSALM 60:1

Restoration means we’re in right relationship with God and others. Restoration with God is the right request, but it happens only when we’re willing to come clean with Christ. We cannot simultaneously be restored by God and rebel against God. It doesn’t work this way in the Lord’s economy of relational wholeness. Restoration follows repentance. When the one running from God finally grows weary, they’re ready for repentance. Obedience positions us for restoration.

Disobedience forms a breach in our beliefs. It causes cracks in an already fragile faith in Christ. Disobedience dismisses doctrine as too restraining. Disobedience declares itself superior to its Savior. It thinks its own plan is better than God’s plan.

Sometimes we’re our own worst enemy. Disobedience is disillusioned and foolish. It forgets to apply simple faith in Christ. When we fail to obey, we open ourselves up to a failure of faith. A fractured faith needs restoration by God.

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“When you…return to the LORD your God and obey him…then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes” (Deuteronomy 30:2-3).

Obedience energizes, but a state of disobedience is fatiguing. Our soul becomes sluggish under the weight of going our own way. Disobedience is like swimming upstream in a raging river. It’s like fighting against the wicked undertow of an ocean’s crosscurrent. Life isn’t designed to be lived in defiance to the will of the Lord. We’re wired to walk with Him, not ignore Him or run away from Him. Turn down the heat of hate and become restored.

Forgive the sin and smile once again. You’ve probably been wronged, and you may not totally understand the extent of your hurt, so ask God to reveal how you hurt and where you need forgiveness. Start by asking God to forgive you, so you in turn can forgive others. It’s lonely without the Lord’s presence, wisdom, and blessing. Come back to Him for relational restoration. Relish His restoration. Live to linger under the Lord’s influence. Those restored are not bored.

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“Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:12).

How can I express joy for the Lord’s salvation? What does it mean for God to restore a willing spirit in me and to sustain me?