Don’t waste away – Be renewed!

2 Corinthians 4:16 (AMP) “Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.” As we age, it becomes apparent that our bodies go through various aging processes. Things that we once took for granted like running, recovering from hard exercise, endless energy, etc., now become more difficult to achieve. Paul knew this truth, but he also did not let that disappoint or discourage him. Instead, he renewed in inner self daily by his relationship with God, and his faith in God’s promises. Life throws many challenges at us that tend to make us afraid and discouraged and if we do not have a vibrant, daily immersion of who we are in Christ, these challenges can deplete our faith to the point where  we become spiritless or lose all sense of hope. This is why Jesus taught us to pray DAILY. Our daily spiritual disciplines are more important than many realize. In the same way that we get re-energized when we eat and sleep, we also receive new strength when we spend quiet time alone with God in personal prayer and daily meditation on His word. His word is spiritual food for us, and prayer is spiritual exercise. We draw confidence and increase of faith as we spend time with God. His Presence is life to us. Determine to be like Paul. Although he naturally aged, his inner self was continually renewed day by day!

2 Corinthians 4:16 AMP) “Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.”