Psalm 51:11–12: Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Experiencing Jesus in the Psalms
The spirit of God came upon David as king that he might be God’s man. By the way, no Christian today can pray that prayer, because if you are indwelt by the Spirit of God, He will never leave you. You can grieve Him, you can quench Him, but you can never grieve Him away or quench Him away. We are told, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30). Therefore no child of God can lose the Spirit of God. However, the Holy Spirit can be inoperative in a Christian’s life, and that is what happened to David. He is asking that the Spirit of God may continue to work in his life. David did not lose his salvation. He lost the joy of his salvation, and he wanted communion with God restored. For he found out, as the prodigal son found out, that there is not nearly as much fun in the far country as there is in the Father’s house. 1
Living the Transformed Life
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you. Isaiah 41:10
- He is always present, even when you are pursuing sinful pleasures.
- He is always present, even when you feel desperate and all alone.
- He is always present, and He wants you to experience His ever-present love right now. (Read John 7:37-39.)
Drawing near to Him is a sure cure for an AWOL Christian.
Praise and Prayer
Thank You, Father, for Your indwelling and steadfast presence within me. Dear Jesus, forgive me and fill me again with a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Psalms 42-89) (electronic ed., Vol. 18, pp. 66–67). Nashville.
