“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” – T.S. Eliot
I had a conversation with a lady last week which was just the most recent of several over the past couple of months. She is working through a study guide on the Gospel of John. She is learning, growing and literally being transformed by the Holy Spirit as she draws close to the Savior. Excited about her discoveries; her heart is filled with new hope and her eyes are often filled with tears.
As I walked back to my car afterward I caught myself thinking, “Wow, this gospel stuff really works.” Maybe not very impressive that a pastor would have such a revelation but then again I think that’s often how God works. We know something for years (even teach it to others) and then one day learn it all over again in a new, powerful and deeper way than ever before. Maybe we’re learning on a heart level what we’ve known intellectually. Maybe we’re learning in an experiential way what was theory.
Renewal is “…to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” Fresh insight. Awakened passion. New freedom. Opened eyes. A skip in our step that’s been missing for a very long time. The Apostle John recorded Jesus words and described it as ‘returning to your first love’ (see Revelation 3 paraphrased). Isaiah said if we would wait on the Lord he would ‘renew our strength.’ (Isaiah 40: 31 NKJV)
In a rut? Weary in ways that better multi-vitamins just can’t help? Your Father can. Turn to Him and seek Him with all your heart and He will renew you in ways you could never imagine.
