By Pastor David Santiago
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Psalm 51 verse 12
Joy is not a mood. It is a spiritual strength. And when it fades, we feel it deeply.
Many in our churches are walking through seasons where joy feels distant. Life has been heavy. Faith feels dry. Worship feels quiet. And the question arises: Can joy be restored
Psalm 51 was written by David after deep failure and repentance. He does not ask for happiness. He asks for joy, the joy of salvation. That kind of joy is not circumstantial. It is rooted in grace. And it can be restored.
Scripture Shows Us Joy That Returns
The Bible is full of people who lost joy and found it again:
- David repented and asked for restoration
- Naomi returned bitter but was renewed through Ruth’s faithfulness
- The disciples grieved Jesus’ death but rejoiced at the resurrection
- Paul sang in prison not because of comfort but because of presence
These stories remind us that joy is not the absence of sorrow. It is the presence of God.
What Restored Joy Looks Like
- A renewed sense of purpose
- A lightness in the soul, even when life is hard
- A deeper gratitude for grace
- A return to worship that feels honest and free
- A contagious hope that blesses others
How to Begin Restoring Joy
- Ask God honestly. Like David, pray for restoration
- Reconnect with Scripture. Let the Word reawaken delight
- Return to worship. Even if you do not feel it yet, show up
- Reflect on past faithfulness. Remember what God has done
- Rebuild rhythms that nourish. Rest, prayer, movement, and community matter
How the Church Can Help Restore Joy
- Create space for honest worship, not just celebration
- Share testimonies of joy returning after sorrow
- Offer pastoral care that listens and affirms
- Encourage spiritual practices that renew the soul
- Celebrate small steps of healing and hope
A Word to the Joy Weary
If joy feels far away, you are not alone. You are not broken. You are not forgotten. Psalm 51 verse 12 is your prayer. God restores. Not just your strength but your joy. The joy of salvation. The joy of being loved. The joy of walking with Him again.
A Prayer for Restored Joy
Lord,
You are the giver of joy. For every heart that feels dry, distant, or discouraged, draw near.
Restore the joy that once danced in their spirit.
Let your grace feel fresh again.
Let worship rise again.
Let laughter return.
And let your church be a place where joy is not forced but found.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Selah.