Hope Rekindled: When the Joy of Salvation Feels Lost

Scripture Reference: – Psalm 51:12

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit”

Yesterday I received a letter from an incarcerated brother in Christ that I have gotten to know very well over the past five years.  We exchange letters and he calls regularly.  As I read his letter, he was experiencing great upset of the soul, and he came right out and told me he had slipped into a deep depression that he hadn’t experienced for a long time.

Stephen has already served more than 30 years in prison.  What brought his current state of mind to where he is today was his recent appearance before the parole board.  We were both convinced that he was going to be found suitable for parole this time around.  He had previously been denied parole his last six times before the board.  His  record of incarceration is excellent, along with a perfect disciplinary record.  He has an excellent parole packet and many support letters from people like me.

After a 4 hour grueling hearing, Commissioner’s gave him another 3 year denial.  He was so sure he was going home.  We’ve talked for years about waiting on the Lord and trusting in the sovereignty and providence of God.  He’s done well up until now.  He specifically mentioned Psalm 51:12 and told me that he is losing the joy of his salvation.

Just today I received another letter from a dear friend and huge supporter of our ministry.  Last year she moved out of CA and went back to Tennessee.  We are hoping to see her on the next trip to California.  I mention her because she also referenced Psalm 51:12 in her note. So, I felt led to look at this powerful, glorious verse from David written during great trauma and adversity in his life.  It seemed right to reference this verse in a devotional that I put together for Stephen.  I hope it is a blessing to you as well.  Let’s dive in.

By way of introduction, let me say this.  The greatest struggle in my life of 70 years has been these last 11 years.  In March of 2014, I received a diagnosis of “Central Pain Syndrome.”  What a whirlwind it's been; initially taking more than 5 months for neurologists to even tell me what I had.  It wasn’t a pretty diagnosis, but over the years, I’ve actually accepted it as a tailor made gift from God, believing that He knew what was best for me, and that he would use this affliction to drive me to a deeper faith and a more intimate relationship with my Creator.

Yes, praise God, He has done this.  But I will be honest with you in saying that there have been more times that I can count where I struggled to hang on, wondering if God had forgotten me; at least why He wasn’t hearing my prayers….or so I thought.

I know now that he heard every cry, and for quite some time I have gained just a tiny glimpse into His sovereignty and providence over my overall life and this condition.  I’ve never believed that it is God’s will to heal everyone, and that we can “name and claim”  what we ask God to do, and He will do it.

Instead, God has taught me that He knows more than I do, and that I must rest in the sufficiency of His grace.  Not always easy to do on so many dark nights of the soul, but I’m gaining a stronger measure of faith with each passing year.  Tonight’s devotional and specifically Psalm 51:12 is deeply  personal to me, for one specific reason.

No matter how bad things got, the one prayer I’ve put before the Lord all these years is that on any given day…..”I would not lose the joy of my salvation.”  I have to give myself a B, or maybe even a B+ but there were a few days early on that I actually had "the bad thoughts.”

I’ve never spoken or written about this before.  I remember thinking, “I’m a Harris – I can take anything.”  But I soon found out that circumstances and I’m sure what was a little help from the evil one, can take you to places that you never thought possible.

So yes, I can identify with Stephen tonight as he sits in his south Texas prison cell.  I hope what I’m sending him will be of help and that we can enjoy some good conversation the next time he calls.  Let’s begin by looking at the dangers of prolonged sorrow.

The Danger of Prolonged Sorrow: When Joy is Lost

Depression and sorrow, when left unchecked, can become a spiritual stronghold, robbing a believer of the joy, peace, and hope that Christ has given. While trials and grief are part of the Christian life, remaining in a state of despair can lead to spiritual weakness, doubt, and even isolation from God’s presence.

David, a man after God’s own heart, experienced intense anguish. He felt abandoned, overwhelmed, and even questioned why his soul was cast down:

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:5)

David was not immune to depression. He faced betrayal, exile, and the weight of his own failures. But rather than allowing sorrow to consume him, he did something remarkable—he spoke to his own soul. Wow! – Have you ever done that?  He reminded himself of God’s faithfulness. This is a powerful biblical principle: when emotions pull us into despair, we must intentionally preach truth to ourselves.

The Danger of Remaining in a Joyless State

Remaining in a state of despair can be spiritually dangerous:

1. It Weakens Faith – When sorrow overtakes us, we may begin doubting God's promises and goodness. Satan, the accuser, uses despair to whisper lies: "God has forgotten you. He doesn’t care about your suffering."

2. It Leads to Isolation – Many who lose joy withdraw from prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. Yet isolation is exactly what the enemy desires because it makes us more vulnerable to spiritual attack.

3. It Can Open Doors to Sin – Depression, if not fought against with God’s truth, can lead to seeking comfort in sinful ways—anger, bitterness, resentment, or even turning to addictions for relief.

4. It Clouds Our Eternal Perspective – When we focus only on suffering, we forget the greater reality: "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17).

David’s Example: Fighting for Joy in the Lord

David’s life teaches us that even in the darkest moments, we must turn back to God:

● He Acknowledged His Sorrow – David did not pretend to be strong when he was weak. He cried out honestly to God (Psalm 13:1-2).

● He Preached to His Own Soul – He commanded his heart to hope in God, even when emotions told him otherwise (Psalm 42:5, Psalm 43:5).

● He Ran to God’s Presence – David knew that joy was found in God alone: "In your presence there is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11).

● He Worshiped Through the Pain – Many of David’s psalms begin with sorrow but end in praise. Worship is a weapon against despair.

Encouragement for Those Who Feel Their Joy is Lost

If you feel like the joy of your salvation is slipping away, take these steps:

1. Acknowledge the Battle – Depression is real, but it does not define your identity. Speak honestly to God about your struggles.

2. Preach Truth to Yourself – Do not wait for feelings to change—declare God’s promises aloud, just as David did.

3. Refuse to Isolate Yourself – Even in prison, seek godly encouragement from Scripture, Christian brothers, or letters from fellow believers.

4. Worship Even When It’s Hard – Praise shifts our focus from pain to God’s power. Sing, pray, or listen to worship music.

5. Cling to Christ’s Promises – Remember that Jesus Himself said, "No one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). Though trials may shake you, Christ is your unshakable foundation.

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)

Your suffering is not the end of your story. Let the Lord restore the joy of your salvation.

Beyond healing and cleansing, David sees that he needs an entirely new heart. His old heart leads him astray. He prays that God would not take away the Holy Spirit from him. His desire is to fully lean on God's lead in his life, to restore him to joy in walking in His presence.

Jesus promised His abiding joy to those who keep His commandments. He said, "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:10-11).

In addition to David's request for restored joy, he asked God to uphold him with a willing spirit. Such a spirit would keep David committed to God's will and prevent him from falling into sin again.

It has been said that sin and suffering cause "the cup of joy to spring a leak." David learned this firsthand. His sins of adultery and murder had drained his joy, leaving him broken and depressed. But what about the believer who has not fallen into willful sin yet still finds himself in the pit of despair?

What about the one who has suffered loss, injustice, or crushing adversity? Many behind prison walls have faced severe trials—betrayal, false accusations, broken families, loneliness, and even deep regret over past choices.

“Psalm 51 is not just a prayer of repentance—it is a plea for restoration”. David longed for the joy he once had in God. He knew that apart from God’s presence, there was no lasting peace. Today, many believers feel the weight of their troubles so deeply that they wonder if they will ever rejoice again. But our God is a God of restoration. He not only forgives, but He also sustains, preserves, and strengthens His children through every trial.

Even the strongest believers can lose their sense of joy when facing adversity. Prison can be a wilderness, stripping men and women of everything they once relied on. Isolation, loss of freedom, family struggles, and uncertainty about the future can weigh heavily on the soul. This can lead to spiritual dryness, depression, and even despair. But while our circumstances may shake us, God remains unshaken. He is still the source of our joy.

Consider these biblical examples of those who endured great suffering and could have lost all hope, yet found strength in God:

1. Job (Job 1-42) – A man who lost everything—his wealth, children, and health—Job wrestled with deep sorrow and even wished for death (Job 3:11). Yet, through his trial, he learned to trust God more deeply, and in the end, God restored him.

2. Joseph (Genesis 37-50) – Betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned for years, Joseph could have given in to bitterness. Yet, he remained faithful, and in time, he saw God’s greater plan. His suffering prepared him for a powerful role in saving lives.

3. Ruth (Ruth 1-4) – After losing her husband and facing a life of uncertainty as a foreign widow, Ruth could have given in to despair. Instead, she chose to cling to Naomi and trust in the God of Israel, ultimately becoming part of the lineage of Christ.

4. Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18) – After a great spiritual victory, Elijah fell into deep despair, feeling alone and hopeless. But God met him in his weakness, not with condemnation, but with gentle care, restoring his strength.

5. Jeremiah (Lamentations 3:1-26) – Known as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah endured rejection, imprisonment, and suffering. He lamented his pain, yet he clung to the hope that "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases" (Lamentations 3:22-23).

6. Isaiah (Isaiah 6; 53) – Called to preach to a rebellious people, Isaiah suffered rejection and hardship. He saw visions of God's holiness and the suffering of the coming Messiah, yet he remained faithful. Tradition holds that he was eventually martyred.

7. Jonah (Jonah 1-4) – Jonah ran from God's call and found himself in the belly of a great fish. His suffering was a result of disobedience, but even then, God was merciful and restored him to fulfill his mission.

8. John the Baptist (Matthew 11:2-6; Mark 6:14-29) – A fearless preacher of repentance, John was imprisoned and later beheaded for speaking the truth. In prison, he struggled with doubt, but Jesus affirmed his faithfulness.

9. Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) – Paul endured beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonment, and a "thorn in the flesh." Yet he declared that God’s grace was sufficient and that his weaknesses made him stronger in Chris

10. Peter (Luke 22:31-34, 54-62; John 21:15-19) – After denying Christ, Peter was overwhelmed with grief. But Jesus restored him, reaffirming His love and calling him to strengthen others.

11. Stephen (Acts 6-7) – The first Christian martyr, Stephen was stoned for his bold testimony. Yet, even as he died, he saw a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, a reminder that suffering for Christ is never in vain.

12. Jesus (Matthew 26:36-46; Hebrews 12:2-3) – In Gethsemane, Jesus was overwhelmed with sorrow, yet He surrendered to the Father's will. On the cross, He endured the greatest suffering, but for the joy set before Him, He persevered.

Each of these men faced moments when joy seemed distant, but in the end, God restored them.

How God Sustains and Preserves His Children in Suffering

God does not waste our suffering. He uses it to refine us, strengthen our faith, and draw us closer to Him. He sustains us in several ways:

1. By His Word – Scripture is our source of life and encouragement. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

2. By His Presence – Even in prison, you are never alone. "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

3. By His Promises – God has promised restoration. "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!" (Psalm 126:5).

4. By the Holy Spirit – David feared losing the Holy Spirit’s presence, but as believers in Christ, we are sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), who strengthens and comforts us.

5. By Prayer and Worship – When Paul and Silas were in prison, they prayed and sang hymns (Acts 16:25), and God responded mightily. Worship shifts our focus from our pain to God's power.

Steps to Regain the Joy of Salvation in Prison

For those who have lost their joy, here are practical steps to restoration:

1. Return to God with Honesty – Like David, confess your struggles. Tell God your fears, disappointments, and grief. He is not offended by your honesty.

2. Meditate on God’s Word Daily – Let Scripture renew your mind. Start with Psalms of encouragement (Psalm 23, Psalm 42, Psalm 91).

3. Pray for Renewal – Ask God to sustain you with a willing spirit, just as David did. Pray for strength to endure and a heart that trusts Him.

4. Encourage Others – Remember, your not the only one who is in the midst of some great trial.  God can use your circumstances and what you have been through to  bring comfort to someone else. Sometimes, the best way to regain joy is to help someone else. Speak words of encouragement to fellow prisoners.

5. Remember God’s Past Faithfulness – Think of times God has carried you through. Reflect on testimonies of His goodness.

6. Stay Connected with the Body of Christ – Even in prison, seek out godly fellowship. A Christian brother or sister can help lift you up when you’re struggling.

7. Worship Even When It’s Hard – Praise is a weapon against despair. Choose to worship God, even through tears.

Conclusion: Restored by His Grace

If you feel like the joy of your salvation is gone, take heart—God is a restorer. He sustained David, Joseph, Job, Elijah, Paul, and countless others, and He will sustain you. Though prison may feel like a wilderness, God uses the wilderness to refine, prepare, and strengthen His children. Hold fast to this promise:

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).

No matter how dark things seem, God is working. Call upon Him, and He will restore your joy.  I’ve called upon this verse countless times.  Guess what:  By His grace, I make it through the night and sure enough, there is another sunrise. 

I always crack up; we have a 34 year old seriously mentally handicapped son, who is the love of our life. For the longest time, MANY times throughout the day, he looks at me and says, “What are you going to do when the sun comes up?”  I respond to him, "Marshall, who made the sun come up?" He always responds…”Jesus!”  I say, "You're right - and today is another day that He has made; and we will rejoice in it!"  Marshall has memorized Psalm 118:24…”This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it!

Heavenly Father,

We come before You, weary and in need of Your restoring grace. You see the burdens we carry, the sorrow that lingers, and the trials that test our faith. Lord, just as David cried out to You, we also cry, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation!” Lift our eyes from our pain and fix them upon You, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Father, for those who feel lost in sorrow, remind them that You are near to the brokenhearted. For those struggling with despair, breathe new life into their weary souls. Let Your Word be their strength, Your promises their anchor, and Your presence their greatest comfort. Even in the wilderness of trials, help us to trust that joy will come in the morning.

We ask for the sustaining power of Your Spirit to uphold us. Renew a steadfast spirit within us, that we may walk in faith, knowing that You are working all things together for our good. May our lives, even in suffering, glorify You and testify to the hope we have in Christ.

In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen!

From: Fight the Good Fight of Faith / Life Journal: By Gregg Harris