The Joy of Restoration

Thomas Spurgeon.

Psalm 51:12

Restore to me the joy of your salvation; and uphold me with your free spirit.

I have never told in public, scarce ever in private, of a great sorrow that afflicted me once when I was first in Australia. Whether it was the tongue of slander in the old land, or some misinformation or mistake, I do not know, but there came to my dear father's ears a story which did not reflect credit upon his absent son. It came in such a form that he was almost bound to believe it. I remember the grief that tore my heart when I received a letter from him kindly chiding me for this supposed wrong-doing. I knew before God that I was innocent; but, despite that conviction, there was some pain, of course, and there had to be a delay of many months ere my contradiction of the damaging tale could reach him. I left the matter with God, and He espoused my cause. In a few days' time I received a cablegram — and telegraphing was expensive in those days — which read thus: "Disregard my letter; was misinformed." I cannot tell you the thrill of joy that filled my heart to feel that I was restored to my father's approbation and confidence; I will not say to his love. for I had surely never fallen from that. It was many months ere I could come into possession of particulars, but to know that he had found out his mistake, and that confidence was restored — why, it was almost worth while having been in the sorrow to experience the delicious thrill.

(Thomas Spurgeon.)