Psalm 51:12
“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
KJV
Read in Psalm 51Meaning
The psalmist asks for the joy of salvation to be restored and for a willing spirit to sustain him, joining grace with renewed willingness to live differently.
Cleansing, renewal, and a steadfast spirit
Psalm 51 is a penitential prayer traditionally linked by its superscription to David after Nathan confronted him. It moves from appeal to God’s steadfast love and honest confession, through cleansing and inner renewal, toward restored witness, humble worship, and concern for Zion. Repentance here neither erases harm done to others nor turns contrition into self-hatred.
Read carefully
The psalmist asks for the joy of salvation to be restored and for a willing spirit to sustain him, joining grace with renewed willingness to live differently.
Reflection
The psalmist asks for the joy of salvation to be restored and for a willing spirit to sustain him, joining grace with renewed willingness to live differently.