‘Ever watch home-makeover shows? I especially enjoy those where designers and their teams tackle old, dilapidated wrecks, with the goal of preserving as much original charm as possible.
And while they describe the process, you can hear the passion in their voices for the work they do.
Often they must remove dumpsters full of garbage, old appliances, and demolition refuse. Substandard wiring and plumbing have to be replaced, and sometimes even the foundation needs shoring up.
The designer also searches the home for such treasures as original doors, old fixtures, or hardware that can be restored.
Some walls are covered with faded, grimy wallpaper, causing a depressive atmosphere. What a difference when the paper is removed and replaced by a pastel shade of paint. The room radiates cheer.
For weeks the team repairs, rejuvenates, and re-beautifies in order to “return the home to its former glory.”
And when the project is complete, the previous eyesore is transformed into an eyeful of delights: refinished floors, gleaming woodwork, glittering chandeliers, and more.
A house that once appeared ready for the wrecking ball has been revived, ready to stand strong for another hundred years.
Like the attentive designers overseeing such projects, God too is an attentive Designer, overseeing projects of his own: you and me.
Although we may not be so dilapidated that we’re dreadful wrecks of humanity, all of us have to admit: there’s the grime of sin dingy-ing up the walls of our souls.
There may also be a sense of outdated faith because we’ve not paid much attention to God lately. Or we need the Designer’s help to remove substandard habits in favor of those that revitalize our spirits—less screen time and more scripture time, for example.
Genuine transformation only happens when we’re immersed in the grace and truth of God’s Word.
Denise J. Hughes, Deeper Waters, 215.
The Bible has much to say about our Designer’s work. For example:
Our Designer Revives
As you read that verse, do you hear the passion in his voice? Imagine: The God of heaven desires to dwell within us. Our part is to invite him to do so, with a repentant and humble heart.
Then, as he moves in God breathes new life into our spirits—new life that includes unsurpassed peace and pure joy through his Son, Jesus [1].
That’s not to say we never experience discouragement, pain, or crisis. But as we rely upon God, he shores up our foundation of faith and strength.
One morning years ago I confessed to my early morning prayer group that ongoing frustration at school plagued many of us on the faculty. Betty prayed for me.
Minutes later as I drove to school, God took my breath away with his artistry as shimmering sunbeams reached heavenward from behind great billowing clouds.
It seemed the glory of God was right there, just beyond that cloud bank. And I could almost hear him say, “You’re going to be fine—I’m right here to help you!”
I felt revived and ready to face the day.
Our Designer Restores
He restores my soul.
–Psalm 23:3 ESV
On a tour of antebellum homes in Charleston, South Carolina, we watched an artisan painstakingly remove layers of old paint from an intricately-carved fireplace surround–paint so thick it had obliterated the full beauty of the design.
Over our lifetimes, we can accumulate layers of erroneous thinking, harmful habits, and guilt. Underneath, however, are the people God created us to be–people intricately designed for purpose, to reflect “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,” and intended to enjoy his shalom [2].
Our Designer Renews
Be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.
–Colossians 3:10b NLT
No doubt, when homeowners plan extensive renovations, they choose their designer carefully, wanting someone who’s congenial to work with, helpful, and trustworthy.
Imagine a designer who’s also encouraging, patient when faced with dozens of questions, and respectful of everyone. Such conduct wields positive influence on those around her.
One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor.
–Proverbs 12:26a ESV
Our Creator-Designer manifests all the above-mentioned traits and more. As we spend time with him through His Word, we find ourselves growing to be like him in our thoughts and attitudes, actions and reactions.
We experience renewal because:
Hallelujah!
[1] 2 Corinthians 5:17
[2] 1 Peter 3:4; Philippians 1:6; https://www.preceptaustin.org/shalom
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Yes, I’m imagining my Creator-Designer and I see many lamps lighting the way. 🙂
Yes indeed, Nancy–the lamp of scripture (Psalm 119:105), the lamps of Christ’s sincere followers (Matthew 5:14-16), and the light of Christ himself (John 8:12) come to mind–all leading the way to God!
Our loving Father made us, and He will never cease to renovate us that we might be conformed more into the image of Jesus, His beloved Son. None of us can avoid sin in this world, but because of God’s sacrifice on our behalf through Jesus, His grace will surround us, guide us and lead us onto the paths of His righteousness. The old can be made new again. Blessings, Nancy!
Such glorious news, isn’t it, that God makes the old new again in the way you so artfully described. Thank you, Martha!
What an incredible analogy, Nancy. I certainly do need my layers peeled now and again so I can see with restored eyes!
Thank you, Wynne. With Paul we can pray that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened, to let the light of God’s truth flood in, to shine the light of hope, and to reveal the glorious riches he’s preparing as our inheritance (Ephesians 1:18 VOICE).
This is such an easy comparison to remember and meditate on. Layers of dirt and grime, painstakingly removed by the Creator. Thank you, Nancy!
You’re welcome, Linda. Praise God for his interest and ability to make us new (2 Corinthians 5:17)!
great photo of the potter and the clay and good thoughts here today. Transformation is a powerful word and one we need to remember. we are always being formed and transformed aren’t we?
Praise God for that, Jean! Each day we can reflect Christ a little more vibrantly, with ever-increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Hallelujah!
What a perfect analogy to the way we often lead our lives, Nancy. I was particularly taken by the Isaiah passage and the final words … and to revive the heart of the contrite. Being “contrite” (which I had to look up to be reminded of the definition) seems like a God-given sense and not necessarily a bad one, because it’s a mindset where we’re open and willing to be made anew.
May we all be open and willing to be made anew, Dave. It’s the way to experience the abundant life Jesus offers (John 10:10!
I love the quote that the God who made us can remake us. We’re not frozen in a mold that can’t change or improve! We have the God of the universe investing glory in us every day! If that isn’t a progressive remodel, I don’t know what is. Thanks for this beautiful picture of God restoring His glory in us that He intended all along!
I love what YOU said, Dayle: that the God of the universe is investing his glory into us every day. We ARE being transformed into the Lord’s image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from him (2 Corinthians 3:18). Such wonderful encouragement! Thank you, Dayle!
I love the comparison of restoring an old house with God’s restoration of us!!! Our souls are filled with God’s love and light to make that restoration possible. Wonderful post!
Your comment prompts me to praise God for his love and light, making restoration and new life possible! Thank you, LInda!
Love the connection between the homes being restored and God restoring our souls remodeling our lives. He has certainly done so for me.
For me also, Matt. I’ve said it many times, but still mean it sincerely: If it weren’t for Christ in my life, I would have made a mess of things for sure!
Nancy,
A remodel sounds nice. So much life and wear away our life. New an renew. Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
We are indeed being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16) as we allow God to do so. Praise God for his patience and perseverance to do so! Thank you Gary for stopping by so faithfully and adding your insights!
You bet.
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Nancy, what a wonderful analogy. I always enjoy your thoughts, scriptures, and insights. I love the thought of getting a makeover by the One who created me!
Thank you Pam for your encouragement. Your beautiful gardens also provide an analogy of God’s work in our lives, as the seeds of the Sower, the water of his Word, etc. transform the landscape of our souls!
I think those home improvement shows appeal to us for the very reason you state, Nancy, i.e. that at a deep level we are all in need of restoration. ❤
I agree, Anna. I’ve thought the same thing about lost-and-found stories–even wrote about the phenomenon. “We were programmed to be found, and to experience a happy ending—at home in heaven—where we’ll find secure safety, joy beyond imagination, everlasting peace” https://nancyaruegg.com/2017/02/09/lost-and-found/. We’ll also experience perfect restoration of relationship with our Heavenly Father. How glorious to know with certainty that this world is not all there is!
Mom and I just finished watching two episodes of ‘Bargain Mansions’! So, reading your blog just now is quite timely.
Tamara usually tackles outdated mansions but this old shirtwaist home is popular in the Kansas City area and needed a retouch to become a short-term rental. She noticed that the foundation was unsteady under the porch; and were multiple layers of flooring and wallpaper as well as hundred-year-old windows that needed replacing. There is always some kind of budget and timeline involved.
Conversely having asked Jesus into my heart at the young age of five I have a very strong foundation, having been fed with the Word of God through church and Sunday School activities, as well as a wonderful Christ-centered education at Taylor University.
However, that doesn’t preclude some neglect that I have allowed at various times in my spiritual journey. The Holy Spirit keeps me in check, advising me when I need to strengthen my commitment to keep learning and sharing. What a gift the Lord left with us by providing the Holy Spirit as we traverse this world, awaiting His return.
The thing is, we are so blessed. There is no budget or time constraints. It costs nothing but prayer and obedience and there is no waiting for materials and no labor involved except dedication to allow Him to refresh my soul. I have a direct line to God to ask forgiveness and help me through the weak moments I encounter when things go sideways.
Thank you for this wonderful analogy.
I too have enjoyed “Bargain Mansions.” Tamara never seems discouraged, even when she hits setbacks–a good picture of what our attitude should be when difficulties arise, but also of God’s attitude toward us. “He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14 HCSB). As for standing on a strong foundation, I too thank God for the strong underpinnings of faith he built into my life as I grew up in a Christian home, participated in church activities, worked at Scripture Press, and attended Taylor U. I too have made a number of missteps in my walk with Christ, yet he has ALWAYS been faithful to me, drawing me back under his influence. Thank you, Cheri, for those additional comparisons between home restoration and soul restoration, highlighting more truth about the new life Jesus offers us! Well done!
Although I don’t seek out those kind of shows (I’m not much of a fixer-upper type, I suppose?), when one is on the screen, I can get sucked in. 🙂 I do love a good makeover story. I’m thankful for the all the divine help we get in our transformations too! Thanks, Nancy.
Amen to that, Lisa! Self-help doesn’t have a good track record, given the statistics. I agree with Ann Swindell who wrote: “Turning to Christ to receive the help we need won’t be the quickest fix to our problems, but it is the best and only way to become truly whole and healed people.” (https://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2015/january/lure-and-lie-of-self-help.html)
What a great connection between home renovation and God’s renewal of us, Nancy. And what peace to reflect on the fact that the God who made us can remake us. I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly in need of a little remaking.
Please forgive me for not responding before now Stacey. I don’t know what happened! / We’re together on our need of a little remaking. God will be remolding until he takes us to heaven (Philippians 1:6)!
Nancy, your analogy truly resonates—I always appreciate your thoughtful insights and the way you weave scripture into your reflections.
The thought of being renewed by our Creator brings such encouragement and hope to my heart!
Thank you so much for your encouragement, K. Ravindre!
This hits home I’m so many ways. I am living in house that was built I 1875. It went through a destructive tornado and had to be restored in 1941. After years of deterioration it was again restored in 2015-2016. When we bought it I. 2017 it was already for us to move in. We had to upgrade the electrical and do some plumbing work. I now inhabit the house with my grandson living in the upstairs and I live on the main floor. I wasn’t sure where I would end up, but I was able to stay in this charming old house. With the help of my grandson I can manage the day to day care of the property, but he is available to take on the more difficult tasks of owning a home. The fact that I’m also not alone is gratifying as well. It’s amazing how God continues to provide for all our needs Eve we ask Him.
How wonderful to live in a home with such a long history, and to have a loved one right there to assist. God has indeed provided for you, Cathy, just as he’s promised (Philippians 4:17)!