Please don’t throw me out of your presence; please don’t take your holy spirit away from me. Return the joy of your salvation to me and sustain me with a willing spirit. (Psa 51:11-12 CEB)

I believe David’s concern was misplaced. He believed that God would reject him, and cast him out. In reality, God loved him with an everlasting love.  The danger was that David’s unregenerate heart would reject God, and just like Adam, walk out of God’s presence. Priscilla, the author of Hebrews 6:4-5 tell us, “Because it’s impossible to restore people to changed hearts and lives who turn away once they have seen the light, tasted the heavenly gift, become partners with the Holy Spirit, and tasted God’s good word and the powers of the coming age.” She knew that the hard, unrepentant heart would never turn back and admit they were wrong and would sooner walk away, believing they were right.

The elder brother of the Prodigal son rejected the Father’s invitation to a party.  As the festivities were going on inside, he was on the outside, bitter, and hateful.  He should have been in the Father’s presence, but joy and a willing spirit had left him.

Check your heart by listening to what comes out of your mouth.  If it isn’t God-glorifying, then it’s time to turn back to God for a refreshing, and renewal.