Week 4: The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength, Day 3: Restoration Joy

Today’s Treasure: Psalm 71:20, 23 – “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again…My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I whom you have delivered.”

Five major catalysts for JOY:
(1) Joy is the result of Salvation
(2) Joy is the result of Discovery
(3) Joy is the result of Restoration
(4) Joy is the result of Abiding (remaining) in Christ
(5) Joy is the result of Relating God’s way to God’s people

We’ve studies week 1 and 2, Salvation and Discovery; now we look at the next catalyst for joy, ‘Restoration.’ The joy of being restored from…

Troubles – though we know we will have troubles, we must remember that our suffering is only for a little while (I Peter 5:10). Our suffering will be followed by restoration, strength, the ability to stand firm, and the ability to remain steadfast. Restoration is coming!

Displeasing God because of sin in our life – God hates to be separated from His children. God yearns for us; he longs to restore us back to Him; he has great compassion for us. He has loved us with an everlasting love and unfailing kindness (Jer. 31:3). When we change our thinking and turn from our sin, God will restore our joy.

Discipline – Discipline means ‘teaching.’ Hebrews 12:6-7, 10 – “because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.”

If you are in need of restoration, know that restoration is coming! God desires to fill you with His joy.