Renew

Renew

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

WALKING DOWN THE ROWS, I ran my finger over the spines of books and breathed in the earthy, dusty smell of their pages. Thousands of books lay waiting in the quiet hush of the library, ready to be picked up and read. From fairy tales to science fiction, recipe books to graphic novels, the library is a place that fosters imagination, creativity, and knowledge.

Perhaps that’s why visiting the library has always felt a little luxurious to me. All of those books, movies, and resources available at my fingertips—at no cost! Each time I walk out the door, bag straining with the weight, I feel lucky. Though I’ve had many library cards in my name—including the Bodleian Library at Oxford, a process that involved me giving an oath to the senior librarian that I would not deface the books or start anything on fire—each card I possess feels like a cross between a treasure map and a passport.

It’s not simply checking books out and reading them that I like; it’s also the process of renewing books that seems equally luxurious. After all, I never seem to have enough time, and being able to renew a book is a relief as much as it is a reminder.

When we renew a library book, we extend our hold on it. It serves as both a notification and permission to continue the course. But what does it mean to Christians to know that we, ourselves, should seek renewal? Why is it that hope is what renews us? Isaiah 40:31 tells us to renew our strength. The Hebrew word used for renew in that verse is chalaph, which means to pass on or away; elsewhere it means to change or replace. In this way, hope is a requirement for the constant renewal of our faith. It’s what gives us permission and the push we need to continue seeking God and his will in our life, making us more effective and restoring our faith.

Lord, thank you that hope is the catalyst that renews our faith. Help us to constantly seek to renew our faith, hope, and trust in you. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: In what ways has your faith been challenged lately? Meditate on Isaiah 40:31 and spend time praying for hope that leads to renewal.