"Daily Renewal"

 

“Daily Renewal”

 

Since 2009 we’ve been the “proud” owners of a 2001 Nissan Altima. (How it came into our possession is described in an early article, “Don’t Go to Church….”.) In 2025 the odometer reads 180,000 miles making it a senior citizen in automotive terms. It’s given us little trouble beyond routine maintenance and repairs so it’s served us well. It still runs satisfactorily but looks its age and has a few idiosyncrasies which are at times annoying. But I’ll continue to use it locally until it breathes its last.

“Old Nisi” is a picture of yours truly. Last month I marked 82 years on the planet. Our long-time four-wheeled friend looked pretty good and had few issues to deal with in its youth and middle age and even into the beginning of its “mature” status. I had few physical problems and was on no regular prescriptions until I was 79. Then as with the above described vehicle problems arose which have required me to have treatment and ongoing medication. And as our “Old Faithful” has become more limited in use my activities in some areas have been curtailed (taking some liberties with Jesus’ words, “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”—Matthew 26:41). But as with our long-time reliable car I want to function as best I can in God’s strength for as long as I can. And I can say with an anonymous psalmist, “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things.” (Psalm 118:15).

The Apostle Paul wrote most of his letters in his later years. With the burdens and sufferings he endured for the sake of Christ his body had become worn down. Did he allow this to discourage him? Listen to his words: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16, emphasis added). The older I get the more I see the need for daily revival in my life and thank God that it’s available to me for the asking. How? Hear the words of another anonymous biblical writer: “Let us the approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, emphasis added).

Scripture gives us daily responsibilities including prayer (Psalm 88:9), studying the Word (Acts 17:11), watchfulness (Proverbs 8:34) and keeping our commitments (Psalm 61:8). I’m asking that these practices be part of my daily renewal until God calls me Home. Will you do so as well?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan