“Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.”
– Psalm 51:12-13
In the midst of his own repentance, King David recognized his ability to help others be restored to God. David had sinned horrifically, yet he knew that God forgave him abundantly and completely when he turned away from his sin in sorrow and repentance. God’s forgiveness is absolute and gloriously healing. David knew the joy of that and wanted others to know. His moral failure and restoration allowed him to powerfully and authentically offer hope to others trapped in sin and desperation.
As we share the hope we enjoy in Christ, we should never pretend that we have everything together, that we’re better or more deserving, or that we didn’t reject and disappoint God. We must be open and honest about our struggles and our failures, because out of them, the glory of God shines brightly!
There is no hopeless situation when it comes to God. No matter how far we’ve fallen into sin, how far we’ve tried to run from God, or how defiantly we’ve rejected Him, God is always right there to forgive us and restore us when we turn back to Him. When we finally get to the end of ourselves and realize that what we thought we wanted only degraded and destroyed, God stands ready to forgive, cleanse, and embrace.
How can God be so kind, merciful, and gracious? Because of the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through our faith in His Son, God offers the welcome, love, embrace, and adoption as forever family that our heart longs for, even when we don’t realize it. You can always return to God, for He is always near at hand. This is hope you can count on and hope you should offer freely to all who struggle.