Renew
When I come across a word that jumps from the pages of scripture, I will “dig deeper” into that particular word to further understand it’s meaning in the particular scripture. This morning I came across the word restore, and the word renew. I felt like they were possibly synonyms for each other. The word restore means to make something the way it once was. Renew means to bring back an original condition of freshness and excitement. The Psalmist was reflecting on a time when the people of Israel were returning to the city of Jerusalem. I was reminded of a returning to the depth and the very beginnings of my faith. Check this out…
1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!
2 We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
5 Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest. (Psalm 126:4-6 NLT)
I think it’s healthy to reflect back to the early days of my faith. I remember going to church as a kid. I remember seeing people baptized in Casey Creek near our home. I remember the small church I grew up in. I remember youth rallies and youth group. I remember the leaders who taught and invested time into us kids. I remember accepting Jesus as my Savior and later ignoring Him and doing whatever I wanted. I look back now and see the patience of God first hand with me. I remember when my faith became my own. I remember my journey as a student pastor. I remember the conversation with my family when I left full-time ministry. I wasn’t leaving my faith, but I was changing the way I earned a living. I remember when I accepted a leadership position at our church. I think it’s super healthy to pray for renewal of my heart. I must remember what it was like to be lost in order to be more sensitive to people who are currently lost. Except for the grace of God, I could still be lost.
I am praying this morning for a renewed mind and heart. I’m praying for the Lord to keep shaping me into the man He is calling me to be. I want Him to renew my passion for His Word and to know His heart. I want Him to renew my passion for lost people. I want Him to renew my passion for serving my family. I want Him to renew my passion for His love to flow through me into others that I meet. I want to renew my memories of the amazing things the Lord has and is still doing in my life.
Pressing On!
Dwayne