Scripture: Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out my iniquities. (Psalm 51:7-9)
If God is the one to wash us, surely we will be clean. If he blots out our sins, who can bring them to memory again? For God is the final judge; no authority is higher; none can so surely determine the outcome of our trial. And in Jesus Christ, he declares that we are forgiven. Surely this is joy. Surely this is gladness.
Prayer: Father, we confess our sins before you. Thank you for the sure knowledge that we are forgiven in Christ. And so restore to us the joy of our salvation! Teach us to rejoice in him. Amen.