Introduction
On Day 1, we reflected on the beauty of returning to our first love for God—those tender moments when our faith felt fresh and full of joy. But returning is only the beginning. When we come back to Him with open hearts, God doesn’t leave us where He found us. He desires to transform us from the inside out. That’s where renewal begins—in the quiet reshaping of our minds and spirits as we dwell in His presence.
Devotional
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." – Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Renewal always begins on the inside. When God reshapes our thoughts, our lives begin to shift. It isn’t a one-time event but a daily surrender—a choice to bring our anxious hearts back into His presence.
I know what it feels like to carry a mind weighed down by worry. Deadlines, family needs, and unexpected setbacks can pile up so quickly. At times the weight feels heavier than I can bear. Yet every time I lay it at His feet, peace slowly returns. I’ve learned that surrender isn’t weakness—surrender is trust.
Hannah’s Example of Renewal
Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1 captures this truth beautifully. Year after year, she longed for a child and carried the crushing sting of disappointment. To make matters worse, she endured harsh words that cut deep, leaving her heart even heavier.
One day, she couldn’t hold it in any longer. She went to the temple and poured out her heart before the Lord, weeping so intensely that Eli the priest thought she had been drinking. But Hannah explained, “I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord.”
Something shifted that day. Her circumstances had not changed—not yet—but her spirit did. Scripture says her face was no longer downcast. Renewal began the moment she released her burden into God’s hands. Later, He answered her prayer with Samuel, but the first miracle was the peace that came in the waiting.
What Renewal Looks Like
That’s what renewing the mind is about—the courage to release what weighs us down, cling to God’s promises, and choose joy while we wait for Him to move.
- Surrender All Things to Him
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
When we release our worries, we make room for His peace. Renewal starts when we loosen our grip and let Him carry what was never ours to hold.
- Speak His Truth
Fear and doubt lose their grip when we declare God’s promises. Speaking His Word out loud realigns our hearts with His truth. For example, when anxiety whispers, “You’re alone,” we can declare, “God is with me and will never forsake me.” - Choose Joy
Joy isn’t dependent on perfect circumstances—it’s rooted in God’s goodness. Renewal happens when we look for His hand in everyday moments and thank Him for the grace we see right in front of us. Even when joy feels far away, choosing it becomes an act of faith.
Series Closing
A Fresh Encounter invites us to draw near to God again—to remember the sweetness of our first devotion and let Him renew our thoughts each day. Returning rekindles passion; renewing keeps it alive as we walk in trust and surrender. God promises that when we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. May you keep remembering, returning, and renewing, so your relationship with Him grows deeper and stronger with every step.
Let's Reflect
- What anxious thoughts or burdens do you need to release to God today?
- What’s one small way you can choose joy in the middle of your waiting?
Let's Pray
Father, renew my mind today. Transform my thoughts so they reflect Your truth and not the patterns of this world. Teach me to surrender everything into Your hands, to speak Your Word with confidence, and to choose joy even while I wait. Thank You for caring for me, hearing my prayers, and meeting me with peace.
Amen.
