Springing A Leak!

Leaks can be disastrous. A leaky transmission or radiator can result in more serious damage to a vehicle. A leaky water pipe can do much damage to floors and walls even before the leak is noticed. A leaky gas line can lead to a massive explosion and loss of life. These are leaks not to be taken lightly. But what about our life? Do we recognize what can leak from our life when we cease to seek to follow the Will of God?

Someone has stated, "Sin causes the cup of joy to spring a leak." [source: "1600 Squibs And Quips", compiled by E. C. McKenzie]

In what condition is our life's cup? Though life's situations do vary, have we been able to retain the JOY or is our cup being emptied?

After David committed adultery with Bathsheba ( 2 Samuel 11:2-5) and then had her husband sent to a place in the battle where he was sure to be killed ( 2 Samuel 11:14-17), David was confronted by Nathan regarding his sin. ( 2 Samuel 12:7) David then acknowledged he had sinned against the Lord. ( 2 Samuel 12:13) His sin was grievous and his relationship with God had been impacted. Psalm 51 is noted as having been written by David after Nathan confronted him. In this psalm, notice how David sought restoration of a right relationship with God and the JOY that relationship provides.

We read. . .
"(7) Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (8) LET ME HEAR JOY AND GLADNESS; LET THE BONES THAT YOU HAVE BROKEN REJOICE. (9) Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. (10) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (11) Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. (12) RESTORE TO ME THE JOY OF YOUR SALVATION, and uphold me with a willing spirit." ( Psalm 51:7-12 ESV)

David had been broken. Praise God he was not beyond repair. David's penitent heart was turned back toward God and he desired the cleansing only God can provide. He sought for God's face to turn away from his sins and for God to recreate in him a pure heart and to renew his spirit. David desired to remain living in the presence of God. Because of God's great grace and mercy, the relationship could be renewed and thus JOY would be restored. The "holes" in his life would be healed. The "leaks" would be plugged. JOY could again fill his cup.

Even when life is challenging, to know we are in a right relationship with God can still FILL US WITH JOY. When the relationship is not right, that JOY empties out. If the JOY is gone, we need to refocus on the relationship. Let us therefore continue to seek God's Will so that "the God of hope" may "FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." ( Romans 15:13 ESV) May we keep our focus on God, the Great Repairer and Restorer of life, the Granter of it for eternity, and the Sustainer of JOY and peace even now.

Have a great day WITH LIFE'S CUP OVERFLOWING WITH THE JOY OF THE LORD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Joy