One fall years ago, we visited friends in North Carolina during peak leaf season. At the time, Steve and I lived in Florida. It had been years since we’d enjoyed autumn leaves.
The day after our arrival, plans included a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to take in all the festive foliage of: birch (yellow), dogwood (deep red), oak (russet to maroon), red maple (from yellow to maroon), sassafras (orange), and more.
But our much-anticipated excursion had to be postponed due to fog and rain.
On Day Three we finally ventured forth, and surveyed mountains transformed. Dust had been washed away, sunlight reflected from gleaming leaves, and the vibrant colors took our breath away.
Sometimes the dust of concern, discontentment, frustration and more can accumulate in my spirit, clouding the colors of joy and awareness of God’s presence. Life loses its luster.
My eyes miss his blessings, my ears miss his words, my heart misses moments of intimacy with him.
What then? Is there refreshing rain for the soul? Oh yes!
God himself renews. All we have to do is ask [1], perhaps with such a prayer as this:
Restore my EYES, Father. May the tears of repentance clear my vision to see more clearly the beauty of your perfections.
And with an enhanced view of you, I’ll be able to view all other things more clearly [2]–like what you want to show me instead of what I want to see.
Refresh my MOUTH, O God. May I be quick to share gracious words with others as well as appreciation and songs of praise to you for your marvelous deeds.
King Solomon wrote, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Keep me mindful of this power, to use my words as refreshing balm for others, for my own spirit, and to celebrate you also [3].
Renew my EARS, O Lord—to be attentive to your gentle whisper within. May I heed your instruction as you train me in the delight of right-doing, and lead me ever deeper into the abundant life you provide.
Tune my ears to hear your words of inspiration, cheering me on [4].
Restore my MIND, Father—my understanding, thoughts, and intentions. The things I think are the things that impact my soul.
May I meditate on all the wonders of your attributes and think Christ-honoring thoughts, becoming more Christ-like as a result [5].
Refresh my HEART, O Lord—my motivations, dreams, and desires. I want my heart to align with yours because I know that’s the first step toward fulfilling purpose and satisfaction in life.
Turn my heart, I pray, from what I’d like to have happen, to who you’d have me become—a reflection of your image. That’s where contentment lies [6].
Renew my SPIRIT, O God—my faith, passions, and confidence. May I navigate the challenges of this day with your strength pulsing through my spirit.
Remind me: when negativity or frustration begin to rise, you are my God of help to quell such emotions.
When setbacks occur, you are my God of guidance to show me the way forward, and when disappointments come, you are my God of hope who brings good out of every situation [7].
I praise you, Father, that I can rely upon you to wash away the grime of discouragement, listlessness, and aggravation.
Because of your compassionate love and with your omnipotent power you will restore, refresh, and renew my inner self—just as you have promised.
Begin this moment, I pray.
Restore my eyes, to see more clearly.
Refresh my mouth, to speak gratitude, grace, and praise.
Renew my ears to listen well (and then obey).
Restore my mind to think Christ-honoring thoughts.
Refresh my heart to align my desires with yours.
Renew my spirit to navigate this day with your strength.
P.S. Try renewing your spirit with “Thirty Days of Praise,” offered below (as part of the newsletter).
[1] Psalm 51:10b
[2] Psalm 119:15; 50:2. Last statement based on Selwyn Hughes, Every Day Light, Day 1.
[3] Psalm 98:1; Proverbs 16:24
[4] Proverbs 2:1-5; 1 Kings 19:11-13; John 10:10
[5] Hannah Whitall Smith, quoted in Values for Life, 256; Psalm 143:5; Romans 12:1-2
[6] 2 Corinthians 3:18
[7] Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 32:8; Romans 15:13
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From the Inside Out 