Renewal

 

Have you ever been in a place where you longed to be who you once were? The present day you isn't who you envisioned yourself to be. The world with its woes, darkness, and injustice has dragged you into what feels like a hopeless vortex you can't escape, and you wonder what happened to the child who had once bounded out of bed each morning exited for the day and all its adventures.

I know both - the youthful me and the woe is me, the disappointed me. Some days, I'm disgusted in myself. I think I should be better, happier, more hopeful, more energetic, kinder and more like Christ. 

What happened to me?!

I don't know exactly, but there is a verse that tells me what I can do about it.

Romans 12:2 says it straight out. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." 

There it is. I have no excuse. And when I contemplate on this verse, I notice it begins with "Do Not". That is not a suggestion, but a command.

Yes, the days are dark. But if we search diligently, we will also see brightness.

When I think back to my childhood, I remember laughing more and making time to enjoy the beauty around me. One of my favorite things to do was to lay in the grass beneath a tree and gaze up through the leaves. It was delightful and almost seemed magical. It's time I tried that again. When spring and the leaves return it is at the top of my to-do list.

Society can be scary and cruel, but we don't need to be like them. We can be different. We can be full of mercy and grace. We can be filled with hope and faith, overflowing with God's love. 

However, remember, a cup overflows only when it is filled to overflowing.

That can happen when we belong to God and spend time with Him. The best places to do that is in His Word and in prayer. I like best to pray through scriptures. As I read the Bible, I talk to God about what it says. I ask Him to clarify His Word so I can fully understand. And I thank Him for the wonder and beauty of His promises. I talk with Him about something new or confirming that I see.

If you don't like where you are, you can change. TRULY. God has made a way. He has the answer. We can "be transformed by the renewing of our mind." We can do it! 

Try this: Commit to spending seven minutes a day with God. Choose a portion of scripture and read the first line, then pray about it, then go on to the next. If you do this, you will be changed. God promised and He never lies.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie