Advent Devotional: Make Room for JesusSample

Day 17: Make Room for Joy

Reading about David in the Bible, we see that his life encompassed many valleys and also many hills. Throughout the story of his life, we read of brokenness and sin. We read of costly decisions he made and the impact they had. We read of vicious attacks that were made against him and of the battles he fought. We see the anguish he felt as we read the book of Psalms. Life was hard and his sin was heavy.

But we also can read accounts of David's victories. We can read in the Old Testament about how he defeated the giant Goliath. We can see how he reigned over all of Israel and took great care of the people that God had entrusted to Him. We can hear about how he admitted his sin and how God wiped His slate clean and forgave him.

"Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!“ - Psalm 32:1-2

David’s song of joy that we read in Psalm 32 can also become a mantra of our own during this advent season. As we refocus our hearts and minds, it can give us an opportunity to celebrate God and the way He has rescued us from our sin. When we admit our need for Him and His forgiveness, joy can become the bi-product. Our grief can turn to dancing and our mourning into song- breathing life into our desolate souls in a way that only He can do. Making room for the Holy Spirit to convict us can result in the same joy-filled praises that David sang. Our guilt is cleared and our sin is no longer seen. May we let Psalm 30 be our song of joy today...

"Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning." - Psalm 30:4-5

Reflect:

• How can guilt and shame rob us of the joy that God wants to give?
• What is an area that you need God to forgive you and clear your guilt so you can walk in freedom and joy?
• What kind of impact can a joy-filled life that is free of guilt and shame have on those around you?

Pray:

Today as you pray, ask God to restore you. Give him praise and adoration for His forgiveness in your life and the ways he Has redeemed your story.