New Reminders: Renewal
by Ardith Hoff
The word Renewal means to give new life or energy to something or someone. It can mean to refresh, regenerate, rejuvenate, restore, or replace with something new. For example, when we renew our driver’s license, we reestablish our legal right to operate an automobile or other vehicle of transportation.
“Spiritual renewal” is the term Christians use to describe what happens when God pours out his Spirit on his people, when He is free to work powerfully in and through His people to show the world how real, mighty and good Jesus is. Spiritual renewal, in a general sense, refers to the process of renewing or revitalizing one's spiritual life through a return to a source of strength and faith in Jesus. In Christianity, it is frequently linked to God's work in people's lives, emphasizing transformation and growth through prayer, scripture, and fellowship. It can also involve repentance, forgiveness, and a renewed commitment to living a life that honors God.
In February 2025, Bill Gates released the first of his three planned autobiographical books. During an interview about Source Code: My Beginnings, Gates talked about the process of writing his memoir and how tricky memories can be. He stated, “It’s fascinating what you misremember.” It’s a common problem we all share. Houston Chronicle, 2/23/25, p.G4. While writing my own memoir about my childhood, I found it helpful to look at pictures that had been taken when I was growing up. It was a way to refresh my memories.
Pictures can trigger one’s ability to recall what it felt like at the time the picture was taken and to recall events that were happening the day the picture was taken, and in the days, weeks and years surrounding the event. The before and after are often more memorable than the split second recorded in the picture. For example, pictures taken on our confirmation day might bring to mind how we felt when we participated in the classes and learned more about what it means to be a Christian. The picture might remind us of the commitments we made that day, and how important it is to renew those commitments daily. To grow in faith, we must honor God and follow the teachings of Jesus every day of our lives. To do that, we need to remind ourselves of what Jesus did for us when he sacrificed himself that we might be saved.
The act of renewal suggests a transformation or restoration. Renewing our faith in God requires actively seeking a deeper connection and strengthening our spiritual lives. This can be achieved through prayer, Bible study, and connecting with a faith community. It also includes practicing gratitude and seeking forgiveness. The following verses provide a guide to spiritual renewal: "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me", Psalm 51:10. David, the author of the psalm, used this prayer to ask God to remove the guilt and darkness from his heart caused by his sins and to fill him with a new, pure, and upright spirit. He is asking God not just to cleanse him but to make him whole again, to restore him to a state of spiritual well-being. May we all pray our own version of David’s prayer for spiritual renewal.