If my life is a mess, how can I begin to experience renewal?

Jeremiah 31:18“I have heard Israel saying, ‘You disciplined me severely, like a calf that needs training for the yoke. Turn me again to you and restore me, for you alone are the Lord my God.’”

Acts 3:19“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”

Personal spiritual renewal beings with our desires. Those who truly want to change, to start over, are ready for the renewal that only God’s Spirit can bring.

Psalm 32:3-5When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. . . . Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Psalm 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.

Ephesians 4:21-24Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Colossians 3:10Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

Sometimes we are weary because we are clinging to sin and disobedience. If this is the case, to be renewed, we must confess our sins and let God cleanse our hearts and lives. He promises to make us brand new!

Ezekiel 36:26-27“I [the Lord] will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.”

Renewal comes with the gift of a new heart from the Holy Spirit. As we submit to him, God will change our deepest desires and inclinations and align them with his.