He Restores My Soul
Hello! And Happy New Year!
‘Tis the season for resolutions, ambitions, “word”-of-the-year’s, and limited parking at the gym. A desire for renewal; a fresh start; an opportunity to swipe fresh colors across a blank canvas and recreate.
Perhaps you are one who could not be more enthusiastic to leave 2023 in your rearview mirror and welcome 2024 with a full embrace. Or, perhaps you are one who is a bit cautious about 2024 because 2023 was a fantastic year for you, and change or transition lingers on the horizon. Whichever camp you land in, the one thing we can count on is that God is the same year after year. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” And isn’t that good news for us! While we cannot predict the weather of the years that have been written for us, we can trust in the steadfast sovereignty of The Lord God Almighty. (Additionally, I encourage you not to disqualify the hardship or pain you may have endured this past year, for nothing goes unseen or is wasted by God. He is the Victor, and He has made us victorious.)
So as we begin this new year with hopes of renewal—I want to encourage you, brothers and sisters, to not grow overwhelmed in the man-made construct of “Resolutions.” A list of standards we hold ourselves to at the beginning of each year with bright, hopeful eyes that begin to dim the second we break one. And thus, the snowball effect ensues as Satan hisses the word “failure” into our ears. While “resolutions” are not at all bad—goals and ambitions are good things to have—works, achievements, is not where our renewal, true renewal of our souls, comes from. Additionally, the angst of resolutions can produce a false image of God’s relationship with His children, for He requires nothing of us to step into His presence and find rest for our souls. Just like He required nothing of us when poured out His blood for us—we can neither earn His love nor earn His salvation.
True renewal comes when we kneel before the foot of the Throne, from the pierced Hands of the One who can give full, everlasting renewal. In Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV), Jesus says, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
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I encourage you, brothers and sisters, to shift your focus from the angst of “achieving” to the fulfillment of “abiding” in the true Vine, Jesus. For Jesus said, If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you (John 15:7-12 ESV).
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I leave you with this prayer in Colossians that has captured my attention this last week, and I invite you to join me in scrapping the resolutions and praying these words over yourself, your spouse, your children, and your loved ones instead (or in addition to):
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the righteousness of the saints in the light
Colossians 1:9-12 ESV | *Boldface and underline added by me.
Rest in the Truth that “The Father, who has qualified you…” (v. 12) HAS qualified you “to share in the righteousness of the saints.” It is our Father, God Almighty, who qualifies us. Not works, not deeds, not the successful completion of resolutions, goals, or self-imposed improvements. We have done nothing, nor can we do anything, for we are qualified by our Father in Christ Jesus. So come to Him. Abide in Him. Lift the pencil off of the paper, set yourself free from man-made constructs, and boldly step into the fullness of the joy that God invites every single one of us to. He is worth it, and so are you. :)
Psalm 23:3 says, HE restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (ESV). We pray you have a blessed new year, and we’re cheering you on as you reach for more!
Scriptures on Renewal for further Bible study:
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
Lamentations 3:25 ESV
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 ESV
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 ESV
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:12 ESV
