When our washing machine malfunctioned, it spewed water through a heating vent and into our basement—drenching wallboard and carpeting. To prevent mold, we had to hire a company that set up special fans inside our house. The company’s motto read: “We will make it like new.”
David wanted his spiritual life to become “like new” after committing adultery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband (Psalm 51:1-4). Although David’s sin caused him to suffer in an earthly sense, it created spiritual problems as well. His sin offended God. He needed divine mercy and forgiveness (Psalm 51:1). He pleaded with God, “Create in me a clean heart . . . . Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:10,12). Once David had settled the issue with God, he could walk in obedience again, help restore others, and freely praise God (Psalm 51:12-15).
We don’t have to commit a David-sized sin to require spiritual renewal. When we first join God’s family, there’s a “boom” of amazement! We see clearly that Jesus “broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality” (2 Timothy 1:10). Our worship seems to pierce the clouds; our souls brim with gratefulness. We want everyone to sample God’s grace and experience the delight it brings.
As time goes by, however, we may start to forget about our miraculous transformation. Life gets hard. Prayer becomes an afterthought. Confession happens only occasionally because we figure Jesus has already taken care of our sin. Old habits come calling. Eventually, spiritual decline threatens our closeness with God.
Do you need spiritual renewal today? Take the first step back toward God. It’s been said, “The God who made us can also remake us.”
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Psalm 1:1-6
More:
Read Nehemiah 8:9-11 to see what happened when the Israelites rediscovered God’s Word. Look up Isaiah 1:18 to see God’s heart for people who need to be cleansed from sin.
Next:
Do you think confession is a necessary part of restoring our fellowship with God? What are some signs of spiritual renewal in the life of a believer in Jesus?
Gary Shultz on May 12, 2015 at 7:49 am
Yes, there was that flurry of doing for God, or so I thought. There was ups and downs, doing many things, but not deepening the personal portion of relationship. I must still come to my God in humble repentance. He knows who we are and continues to hold his arms open wide for us to come. I am thankful for His love for me. Thank you.
jennifer benson schuldt on May 12, 2015 at 11:46 am
Good point Gary–there is a difference between doing things for God and growing in our relationship with Him. My husband and I were at a party once where a man told us he had been teaching Sunday School at a Christian church BEFORE he became a Christian! In those early days of his spiritual journey, he was serving and helping, but not truly relating with God. Just serving God doesn’t satisfy, but truly knowing God does satisfy!
Tom Felten on May 12, 2015 at 10:16 am
Jennifer, I’m reminded of this encouraging verse: “If we confess our sins to him, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9). Today, may we practice this instruction and claim God’s promise!
jennifer benson schuldt on May 12, 2015 at 11:52 am
Hi Tom,
Yesterday I read the last chapter of Job. It’s the one where Job finally admits to his wrongdoing (Job 42:1-3). He goes on to say, “I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (v.6). If confession is the long dark tunnel in which we experience regret and remorse over our sin, God’s faithful forgiveness is the light at the end of that tunnel. I’m so thankful for His grace! 🙂
jennifer benson schuldt on May 12, 2015 at 11:41 am
Thinking about renewal today, I can’t help but consider the season here in North America. It’s spring! The tree outside my window is sprouting leaves–they’re that fresh yellow-green color that seems unique to spring. During the winter, the tree was just a mass of dark branches, but it was still alive. As Christians, we always have God’s Holy Spirit alive within us (John 14:16). This Spirit makes renewal possible in our lives no matter how we may have sinned. This hope helps us keep going until the day when God, who began a good work in us, finishes it at Christ’s return (Philippians 1:6).
Winn Collier on May 29, 2015 at 10:24 am
we all need cleansing and renewal, don’t we?