Aren’t you thankful today for the wonderful saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who through His salvation, our spiritual identity and eternal destiny were changed? (2 Cor. 5:17; Romans 6:23b).

But why is it we forget to be thankful for such a great salvation? Could it be that sin has crept in and stolen our joy and as a result our thanks?

This was certainly true for David, who allowed sin to go unchecked in his life, which zapped his spiritual and physical strength and wellness and stole his joy. It was only after confronting his sin and talking to the Lord that he was able to ask the Lord to "Restore …the joy of Thy salvation." (Psalms 51:12) How do we get the joy of our salvation and gratefulness back? First, recognize Christian’s are not perfect, we are forgiven and forgivable (1 Jn. 1:9). Second, if we do not confront our sin, sin can be given the power (by us) to enslave us again (Rom. 6:12,16). Third, our struggle with sin cannot separate us from our new spiritual identity or eternal destiny, but it can cause us to walk defeated if not handled properly (1 Cor. 3:3; Rom. 7:19,24). Fourth, even if we have strayed away from our fellowship with God and wandered deep back into sin’s control, there is hope! "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." (Prov. 28:13) The choice is ours, and God is still for us (Rom. 8:31b,32). Fifth, to have joy and thankfulness restored: We need to return to walking with God in the light as God Himself is in the light. Confess the sin you have allowed to creep in to God and confront it as sin. Refuse to rationalize sin for any reason (before God and man). Practice saying no to sin daily, and stay close to the people of God for accountability and encouragement.

In fact, gather together with some of them today and give thanks for the joy of your salvation.

Dr. William Burnham is pastor of Point of Grace Church in Covington. He can be reached at burnhamw@charter.net.