The beginning of a new year always brings with it various decisions to better us in some way or another. We make resolutions to eat better, exercise, fast, to pray more, etc. Well, it is the end of January and I wonder how many of us already feel like failures. We are run down from the fast-paced life that we are forced to try to keep up with and now feel broken because we just can’t seem to get where we want to be. So, what is the answer…. RENEWAL!!!God kept speaking the word renewal to my spirit when I would pray for what I should write about.

The definition of renewal is the replacing or repair of something that is worn out, run down, or broken, to make like new or restore to freshness. God is the only one who can renew our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Two of the most important ways for renewal are to stay in the word and to have a daily prayer life.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Our salvation saves us from our old sinful self through Christ, and with it also comes a new mind. We now have the mind of Christ. The testing comes because we are in a constant battle with our flesh. This is why we should be in constant communication with God. We need to read His word daily. God communicates with us through His word and when we neglect reading it, we can start to feel confused on what is His good and perfect will. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” This helps us to discern our thought pattern. When we get our minds in alignment with God’s word, we learn to recognize the lies of the enemy. We can see if it complies with God’s word and if it doesn’t, we can cast it out for good!!! Remember our thoughts determine our beliefs and how strong our faith is!!! So, stay in the word!!!!

Our daily communication with God should also include prayer. I have a constant conversation with God, but there is something about setting aside a time to spend each day with God. We make appointments to go to the doctor, we have specific times that we go to work or school, so we should also have a time set aside for our Heavenly Father. Prayer is the way to renewal because that is when we ask God for strength and guidance and help to keep our mind focused on Him. We ask for forgiveness and know that He loves us and through Jesus we are forgiven. We can lay it all at His feet through prayer. There isn’t anything more refreshing than knowing that there is nothing that we cannot bring to God. He will hear us and answer us in His will. He renews our hearts and minds and restores our joy!! Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore the joy of my salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

Every day is new. We have a fresh day to do better think better and make sure our minds are renewed in the things of God. We don’t have to feel like failures, broken, and defeated. The sovereign God of the universe adores us!!!!!

Isaiah 40:29-31

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”