For many of us when we hear the word renewed, we automatically think of the Bible verse Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its supernatural values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitude], so that you may prove [for yourself] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. [In His plan and purpose for you].” But do we know the power of this Scripture and the freedom it releases over us? Or has it become just another Scripture we have memorized without actually taking the time to meditate on it and apply it to our lives?
I want you to read this next Scripture but this time but imagine that it is like a piece of clothing you are going to put on. This is your truth. Hear the Father speaking to you; Isaiah 40:30-31“ Even youths grow weary and tired and vigorous young men stumble badly, but those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him]. Will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired.” It is such a wonder how as we seek the Lord and learn to abide in His presence daily. When we read His word, we renew ourselves in Him and it releases an overflow of God's goodness.
I want to dive into what being renewed really means for the believer so that we can begin to grab hold of this powerful truth and apply it to our daily walk with the Lord. I believe understanding helps us to walk in the fullness, its like the Word becomes alive for us and the Word becomes an anchor, giving a firm foundation (Luke 6:48). Last month we talked about New Beginnings and Carina shared with us how God is Spirit, and so He is always in motion. This correlates with renewal because the moment you ask Jesus to come into your heart, your life should be forever be progressively changing. We are being molded by our Heavenly Father, the Master Potter, so that we reflect Jesus. Praise the Lord! This is such good news for us because we don’t stay the same but actually become a new creation with the help of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17, John 14:16).
Remember that as we allow God’s Word to grab hold of us, we get to choose to turn from our old self and embrace our new identity in Jesus. Going through the process of being transformed, from leaving behind our old ways and leaning into our new identity, which brings freshness, and vigor into our lives. In the Bible, a renewal is a spiritual change or a physical rest both are restorative to our spirit, mind, and body. As we allow our minds to be transformed by His Word, we need to discipline ourselves to be renewed daily. We live in a fallen world surrounded by so many pressures and different things that can pull us away. Renewal in the Bible is the process that produces an inward transformation. So let today be the start of a new habit and get into His Word and begin to dress yourself in His Truth. Colossians 3:10 “and have put on the new [spiritual] self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self."
Praise God we can put on the garment of renewal every day. As we set our focus on Jesus “things above” (Colossians 3:1-2).
There is so much power when we establish this discipline in our daily life, which helps us to keep ourselves checked and accountable to the Holy Spirit. Allowing Him to do what He does best which is leading always us to Truth (John 15:26). This makes room for the Holy Spirit to expose any sin or bring correction which then leads us to repentance and the BEST part of freedom is forgiveness! This allows for a clean and clear channel of communication with the Lord. When we make room for the Lord by getting into His Word and in His Presence, we get renewed as we allow His Words to wash over us and cleanse us. Just like when the rain comes and after the rain everything seems fresh, clean and new. 2 Corinthians 4:16 “Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] renewed day by day.”
Remember our Heavenly Father is the only one who truly knows everything we need. In Him, we lack nothing. He alone is our source. And only He can give it to us. Take the time to invite the Holy Spirit into your life, your days and your ways. In Romans 12:2, Paul is urging believers (you and me) to stop living like the world and to allow the Lord to transform us from the inside out. If we can change the way we think and allow the Lord to renew our minds we will than begin to understand God’s will for our lives and it brings us into alignment to God’s ways and not the world’s.
The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. He try’s to fill our minds with the opposite of God’s truth and bombard us with a flood of lies or pulls us away with busyness that keep us from putting God first. But we know that God only has good things for us, always with open arms ready to receive us. As we position ourselves before the Lord, welcome His refreshment in the transformation of our minds. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and well –being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Prayer:
My prayer for us is that living a life where we daily renew ourselves in the Word would be the reality that we live in, that the Scriptures would become so tangible to us and we walk out in the fullness of Jesus. Thank you Lord that we can come before you and find the rest and renewal we need. You supply all of our needs. Holy Spirit creates a desire, a longing to dive into the Word each day. Making time for You, Jesus. Lord, I pray that we would become one with You. In Your precious name Jesus, amen.
If you are feeling stirred and the pull of the Holy Spirit to dive deeper into His Word and to build a firm foundation. Sign up for our next nine-month course or for one of our monthly events where you learn Biblical foundational truth that will equip you. It’s the season to make ourselves ready and become prepared vessels. If you were blessed by this post let us know we love testimonies because if He did it for you, He will do it for another!