Restore Me

There's more than a few things here that have been restored: hardwood floors, a fireplace, walls, bathrooms ... such is this old house in which we live. The psalmist prayed, "Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your indignation toward us to cease." (Psalm 85:4 NASB). We don't use that word "indignation" too much these days but I suggest we all act in indignation more than we think ... in extreme anger mixed with disgust. Just watch the news these days and you'll feel ... indignation! Oh, how I forget it is my sinfulness that cause God's "indignation" towards me. The psalmist continues, "Will You be angry with us forever? ... Will you not Yourself revive us again that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your loving kindness, O Lord, and grant us Your salvation." (V5-7). When I look at the beauty of these old hardwood floors, I'm reminded of their poor and neglected condition before they were refinished ... restored. Oh, the beauty of the soul that has acknowledged its sin and presented it to The Father for forgiveness and cleansing - such beauty is beyond compare. That is the soul that has experienced the steadfast love of God's salvation. The heart of man is in need of such soul-cleansing daily. Oh yes, such beauty and rejoicing is the longing of my soul. Dear Lord ... restore me.