Thursday, March 27
Read: Psalm 32; Joshua 4:1-13; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:5
Today, we have officially reached the halfway point of the Lenten season. As we reflect on today’s scripture, we also reflect on our progress up to this point. Are we still going strong with our fast? Have we cheated once or twice? Have we completely abandoned our fast? Wherever we are on this day, the Lord has a word for us.
In our passage today we read about the frailties of life. We are faced with the fact that we are all wasting away, living a temporary life. Physically, we feel the effects of time, stress, and hardship. Our bodies age, ourenergy fades, and our trials can feel overwhelming. Even our homes and our workplaces are not immune to death and destruction. We remember the fires out in California, the Hurricanes which plague our American Gulf Coast, even the tornadoes which ravaged the Montgomery community at the end of last year. It seems that even Creation seeks to remind us of the temporary life we live.
Yet Paul, who is no stranger to the suffering of this life, tells us we must “not lose heart.” That kind of resilience seems almost impossible. How can we remain hopeful when our bodies are growing weaker, when trials press in, or when the shadow of death looms over us? How can we find peace in this season of turmoil? Paul gives us the answer: Even as our outer self—our physical bodies—declines, our inner self is being renewed day by day. This renewal is not something we manufacture on our own. It’s not about positive thinking or sheer willpower. It’s a work of God in us. Each day, He strengthens our spirit, restores our joy, and fills us with His peace. Just as our bodies need food and rest, our souls need God’s presence.
So, as we continue on our treacherous journey of lent, until we join Jesus at the cross, we must lean on God as we walk. We must spend time with Him daily, seek His guidance always, and trust Him with our burdens. If you’re feeling worn out today, take heart: God is renewing you. Your trials, though real, are temporary. Your struggles, though difficult, are not without reward. Don’t lose heart. Instead, lean into the One who is renewing you from the inside out—day by day, moment by moment.
Reflection Questions:
What areas of your life feel weary or depleted right now?
How can you intentionally seek God’s renewal each day?
Have you experienced times when God refreshed your spirit despite outward struggles?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You that even when I feel weary, You are at work renewing me. Even though I’m sore from the previous day, I awoke today with your breath in my lungs. Help me to rely on You daily, to seek You in prayer and in Your Word, and to trust that You are strengthening me from the inside out. I surrender my worries and burdens to You. Fill me with Your peace, joy, and hope today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Mr. Dillon Bryars is a senior Religion student at Huntingdon College from Bay Minette, Alabama. A candidate for ministry in the Global Methodist Church, Dillon seeks to continue his education through graduate theological studies.
