RENEWAL: The replacing or repair of something that is worn out, run down or broken.
The wonderful thing about this time of year is renewal. One would think that that time would be the New Year, but I beg to differ. Spring is renewal for me, the replacing of the worn out. I have seasonal depression so I find myself in what feels like a hopeless rut for about 3-4 months of the year (my poor husband). I just feel blah. I get chubby, grumpy, sad, and difficult. I try to find joy in so many places but joy does not come. Through prayer I survive this every year. This year was better than the last few. I took vitamin D and combated it in every way I could. Now I get to stare fully into Spring knowing the next part of the year will likely be easier to manage.
I am a woman all about renewal. I roll well with change. I like to try new things. I embrace new ways of doing things, new schedules to try, fun workout classes to attend and basically just love to dive right in! For some of you the thought of all of this is making it hard to breathe, I understand we are not all creatures of change. During this season of renewal what I want to remind us all of is the renewal that comes with our life in Christ. If you are a believer you get to be reminded of something so precious this week. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the ultimate representation of renewal. In Revelations 21 we get a picture of this:
"Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. he will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Can you just imagine, all the new things!!!?? He makes all things new!!! You, me, your family, your church...newness. If you surrender your life to him you are made new in him. There's nothing he can't fix in your life there's nothing lacking in him, he brings beauty even in despair, he brings life even in death. Renewal at it's very best.
Just like Spring is bringing in new blooms, green grass and lush gardens full of life; God is bringing newness to his believers each and every day. Allow him to work in your and through you. How can you do this? Surrender your life to him and run hard after his promises and words (read the Bible, be in fellowship, tell others of his love). Sprint to him sweet girl, he will make you new.
Be renewed this week friends. Allow God to show you his new things for you. Allow him to take you by the hand and show you all his goodness and believe me HE IS GOOD!
Much Love,
Chrystan
