1. Joy is gone from our hearts (1-18)

Some people think that freedom from God will make them happy. This was not the experience of Israel. When they rebelled against God and sinned, they lost everything they had valued. Their land was turned over to foreigners. They had to submit to the yoke of the superpowers in order to get enough food to eat. Their women were ravished by soldiers of foreign armies. Elders no longer sat in the city gate, and young men no longer got together to make music. Joy was gone from the land. Sin cuts us off from God and ruins our lives.

2. Restore us to yourself, O Lord (19-22)

The fortunes of men and nations rise and fall, but God's throne is forever. Our hope and the hope of all mankind is in God alone. When we repent and our relationship with God is restored, then joy is also restored to the heart.

Application: Lord, our sins have made a separation between you and us. There is no joy and no peace without you. Restore us to yourself.
One Word: Restore us to yourself, O God