Restoring My Joy

One day recently I was having a rough day as a mom.  My two young boys were driving me crazy, the house was a mess and my husband was working late.  Miraculously, I managed to make dinner and get the boys to sit down.  Not two minutes later my two year-old was refusing to eat and the one year-old was spitting his food back in my face.  I couldn’t take it anymore.  I left the room, sat in a corner and cried. 

Soon my two year-old came in and said: No crying Mama.  He grabbed a tissue, and lovingly wiped my eyes.  Then he smiled at me and said: See, all better.

I couldn’t help but smile.  His answer was so simple and yet so profound.  I was the one focusing on the negative.  All I needed to do was take a deep breath, look at my beautiful family and thank God for his immeasurable blessings. 

Soon after this incident I came across this verse in Psalms 51:12 (NIV).  It was written by David after his sin with Bathsheba.   

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

This passage really spoke to me.  I often find myself in need of a renewal of joy, whether in response to sin or not.  And it comforts me to remember that I have salvation in Christ and that he can sustain me. 

Joy really is a choice.  Remember God and his blessings and he can restore your joy as well.