Renewal – God’s Recipe for Weariness

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day [2 Cor 4:16]

Do you know what it is to be really tired…not just physical tiredness, but deep mental, emotional and even spiritual weariness? I’ve been there – felt that! The good news is that God knows better than anyone the trials, circumstances, and people that wear you down. And he knows that you need time to be renewed and refreshed by him. Our friends, family, and entertainment can be great sources of fun and rest to be sure, but the only consistent and true source of renewal we have is spending time with our heavenly Father. Remember his promise: …those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint [Isa 40:31].

Our bodies, minds, souls do grow weary with the pressures of this world, but an all-loving God who cares for you desires to strengthen your spirit each day. You’ve been given the ability through the Spirit to rest in God’s presence, to know his nearness and love, so that your spirit can be “renewed every day” – he will…if we will let him. So, how can we experience God’s promised renewal? How do we rest in God’s presence and allow him to revive us? It starts with trusting God – knowing that he loves you – that he wants to meet with you and renew you. When you make space to encounter him, he will fill you with his presence.

Reading God’s Word regularly with a posture of ready obedience, so that you allow it to change you is also important. So much of being renewed by God is choosing to believe his word over our emotions and experience. Another vital key to renewal is worship. We were created for worship, and it is both our highest goal and greatest success. When you engage in worship daily, you experience a renewed sense of joyful contentment, fulfillment and purpose. God earnestly desires to renew you – he longs to heal the wounded and dry places in your life. Hear Jesus’ familiar invitation one more time: Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest [Matt 11:28].