DEVOTION: Week of April 12

We are a people of new things. We like upgrades and do overs. We ship out the old and ring in the new. We claim words and themes for a new year, after careful reflection of the past one. We recognize where we’ve flourished and where we’ve failed, where we’ve advanced and where we’ve retreated.

We’re committed to growth.

I love to start the new year with a theme or a word. I journal it down, meditate on it. One time I even got a bracelet with the word engraved on it. But I’ve never stuck with my word, not once in all these years. Somewhere between February 20 and March 10, my motivation and focus wane, my desire overshadowed by schedules and discouragement and life. The bracelet tarnished, my word scratched up.

I can’t remember what word I picked for 2020, but whatever it was quickly morphed into a new one: survival. It was a year ripe with surprises and emotions, circumstances beyond all control. For this slow-processor, it was overwhelming to absorb. Especially when alone time (which I crave like oxygen) became more scarce than toilet paper. Right when I would have lost momentum in my word anyway, it switched on me, and so I did what I think a lot of us did: distracted myself. Numbed out. Became immune and absent and not fully present in any capacity.

I was most definitely not committed to growth last year.

By New Year’s Eve 2020, my heart and soul were ready to feel again. My spirit craved to be fully immersed in everything—the good, the bad and the uglier and even uglier. On New Year’s Day, a friend of mine posted her word for the year, challenging us to do the same. But as I read her caption, I was stunned. She talked about how our word shouldn’t reflect how we want the year to look; rather, it should reflect how we want to feel at the end of it.

I planned on my word being Thrive. After a year of just surviving, it seemed the most obvious choice. 

After I read her post, I decided my word was Alive.

I want to end 2021 feeling like I have fully lived. I want to say goodbye to this year knowing I embraced and took full advantage of all the opportunities and doorways God opened to me. That I would, as my mentor used to say, “get the full flavor” out of every moment. Present in the good with my loved ones. Present in the uncomfortable with God and others. Present with the ugly of myself and the world. I don’t want to end this year wishing I had spent less time on my phone and more time in conversation, less time indoors and more time out.

I want my soul to wake up and to grow up.

This may sound exhausting; the temptation is to not make this goal into a list of to-dos. But I’m already exhausted from barely getting by emotionally, physically and spiritually. I’d rather welcome a tired that leaves me feeling full of purpose and goodness, instead of empty and agitated. I’d rather be satisfied and tired than adrift and tired.

I think about Alive with every challenge I face, every joyful moment that comes my way, every free hour I have to do something that makes me full instead of indifferent. My eyes and heart are staying focused on December 31, 2021, and how I want to feel as I end this year. It’s helped me stay disciplined in several different areas; instead of falling back into sloth-like behavior (my default), I envision how I want to feel this New Year’s Eve—what do I want to write in my journal about this year? What good things would I miss out on if I didn’t stay committed? Do I want to feel proud of myself or full of regret?

This motivates me to stay the course. To run my race. To seize the unexpected moments for things that uplift and bring a deeper satisfaction than scrolling and zoning and stuffing and partaking. 

“So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us.” (Hebrews 12:1-2, The Passion Translation)

I think we’d have greater commitment to biblical renewal if we approached it the same way my friend challenged me to approach my word for the year. Instead of thinking about the process of renewal and the journey to get there, instead think of how great it will feel to arrive. Whether it’s renewal of spirit, renewal of strength, or renewal of mind, focusing on how the renewal will feel will motivate us to continue on:

What would it feel like to overcome that repeated sin?

How would it feel to break free from that stronghold?

How would life change if you had a renewed mind?

How would your family change if you had a renewed spirit? 

I’ve spent too much time making excuses for present behavior, while also blaming God for the lack of progress. All the while, I think He’s been waiting for me to decide how much I really want it. I can’t be a writer if I don’t sit down and write. I can’t run faster if I never push myself to actually run faster. I can’t grow more like Jesus if I’m not dedicated to learning what He looks like. And I can’t be renewed if I’m not willing to dig in the dirt and prune back a few (okay, a lot of) things.

“Now all discipline seems to be painful at the time, yet later it will produce a transformation of character, bringing a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who yield to it.” (Hebrews 12:11, The Passion Translation)

We serve a God who not only excels at renewal, but it’s also His pleasure to do so. He renews populations and peoples. He renews kingdoms and kinsmen, bodies and bones. One day He will renew the heavens and the earth. We are a people of new things, but He is The God of New Things. We inherited that desire directly from Him. We are made in His image and one day, will reflect Him in renewed glory.

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Look! I am making all things new.’ Then He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are faithful and true.’” (Revelation 21:5, Modern English Version)

–Monica

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK:

MONDAY

What has been your word or theme for this year, and how has it changed since 2020 began? Are you focused on growth or are you just trying to survive? Take a survey of yourself this week, honestly assessing where you see positive renewal and also where you need it. If you haven’t created a word for this year yet, take this opportunity now. It’s not too late, we still have 8 months left. How do you want to feel at the end of 2021? What steps can you take to get there?

“Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new person. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

TUESDAY

Focusing on end results helps motivate us to continue to take step after step in the journey. Where do you want to see change in your life this year? Where is God asking you to be disciplined so together you can see renewal in your life? Discipline isn’t for the sake of busyness or adding to a to-do list. We can be disciplined to grow spiritually without becoming legalistic about it. Write down 2-3 practical things you can begin today with the goal of renewal in mind.

“I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead.” (Philippians 3:13, The Passion Translation)

WEDNESDAY

Do you really believe that God is on your side, and wants renewal in your life? Often, I think we’re so devastated by life that it’s hard to continue to believe that God is still good and that He desires the best for us. If you’re struggling to believe in the goodness of God for your life, He understands, but longs to change your perspective. Honestly tell Him how you feel and be willing to have your mind changed. Read the Bible and highlight verses that speak the truth about how much He loves you.

“I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13, Amplified)

THURSDAY

Reflect back on your life and the places and times God has brought renewal to you. Maybe He’s renewed your family, or other relationship. Maybe He’s renewed your mind so you’re no longer captive to negative thoughts toward yourself. Maybe He’s renewed to you the joy of your salvation, and restored your zeal to bring others to Christ. Recognizing the times He’s renewed in the past will reinforce your faith to believe He will do it again.

“I will give you one heart and a new spirit; I will take from you your hearts of stone and give you tender hearts of love for God.” (Ezekiel 11:19, The Living Bible)

FRIDAY

What weights and sins can you let go of so you can run your race swifter and easier? What’s weighing you down, and keeping you from staying the course? The writer of Hebrews clearly says to “throw off everything that hinders,” AND “the sin that so easily entangles.” We all have weights that hinder that aren’t necessarily sinful: self-esteem, laziness, procrastination, expectations of others, worry. What can you let go of so you can move toward renewal?

“Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19, The Living Bible)

WANT TO HEAR MORE?

Go back and listen to one of our earlier podcasts on the Be Renewed in Mind, from the series Be Renewed.