Secrets of renewal

When we are rebuilding ourselves and renewing our spirit there is no guidebook. There is no step by step or self help book that outlines a clear path. But there are a couple of secrets that will assist in our renewal efforts.

The first secret is having a target. When someone goes bowling they can’t hit consecutive strikes if they are wearing a blindfold. We need something to aim at. For healthy renewal we need to find a worthy target. In my opinion there is no better vision to keep in our sights than that of Jesus. This involves learning about him from God’s word. As you move forward keep your eyes on Jesus.

The other secret is that the key to good mental health and wellness is found outside of our own heads. If you are feeling down or depressed go do something for someone else. When we focus on the needs of others we leave God the space to work on building us up. It is actually a bit of a miracle. The less we think about our own problems (which is hard – I know this personally) the more we are capable of handling.

Now I understand there are times when this is very hard, but as you find yourself moving through the darkness and towards the light, start to look outward. Look to Jesus and look for places to do the work he puts before you.

Ephesians 2: 8 -10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Renewal

We had our first bible study of the year the other night. I was not prepared to continue with the material we have been studying. Just a bit slow getting back into the swing of things, I guess.

Instead, I asked the group to reflect on the idea of renewal.

Many people look at the start of the new year as a blank slate. A time to make resolutions and redouble their self-improvement efforts.

Resolutions are different than renewal. Resolutions are based on our own efforts to change. We ‘resolve’ to create a new habit or quit an old one. Renewal is less about what we can do. We can’t create ourselves over. We can’t cleanse our lives of all our iniquities. We have to lean on God for renewal.

Psalm 51: 10 – 12 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.