I prepared an advent calendar of scripture passages about joy for my friends this Christmas. I will share a few things each day leading up to Christmas to explain why I chose each scripture.
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore me unto the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit…The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Psalms 51:8-12, 17
This scripture challenges the way I have thought about joy during a lot of my life. It is linked to a broken and contrite heart. It is a gift from God, not something we can summon through our own powers; it is something we seek from God. He is the source, the way, and the memory of joy. Truly, we are “restored” to joy, the state in which we lived with God before we were born.
Things we ask of God in order to feel joy:
- “Make me to hear joy and gladness”
- “Hide thy face from my sins”
- “Blot out all mine iniquities”
- “Cast me not away from thy presence”
- “Create in me a clean heart”
- “Renew a right spirit within me”
- “Take not thy holy spirit from me.”
- “Restore unto me the joy of salvation”
- “Uphold me with thy free spirit”
Things required in the process of seeking joy:
- Ask God for the above things
- “The Sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart.”
The Savior acts in our behalf, continually and faithfully. His work of creation continues in our hearts and in the renewal of “right spirit.” I love the phrase, “Uphold me with thy free spirit.” To me, this means two things, 1. He chooses to help us, and 2. Our Savior’s mastery of agency qualifies him to uphold us as we stumble along to achieve self mastery.
Two things that don’t fit in either category, but are important:
- “The bones which thou hast broken may rejoice”
- “O, God, thou wilt not despise”
Sometimes he allows us to become broken. This is not evidence of his neglect, but a tutoring in our dependence on God. Also, he will not despise us in our brokenness. Illness, sin, and discomfort can drive people away because these things are not pretty. The Lord does not despise the ugly tears, the pain of being driven to humility, and the stench of sins we are trying to blot out. He will not despise us in our moments of pain. He comes and makes our broken bones rejoice. He has done this for me.