Renew

According to the Dictionary:

To Renew: to restore to a former state; make new or as if new again.

I've been painting up some furniture lately (the strange colored dresser!) along with some thrifty finds that I am giving new life. A few nights ago, I was heading to dreamland and thinking about the word "renew." I was thinking about how much God's redemption of us is like restoring a piece of furniture. He sands us, smoothing the rough edges and preparing us for what's ahead. He primes us so that we can retain what is coming soon, knowing that even though it's a sticky and messy process, it is essential. He gives us a good paint, knowing what color will bring out our best. And sometimes He distresses us so that our character can be revealed. He also covers us with a protectant so that we are sealed for good.

He makes us a new creation.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Not perfect theology. I know. Yet, as I'm working on these pieces, I continue to dwell on this thought. He takes us, perhaps a piece with nicks, scratches, and a wobble, and then restores us to all that we are created to be. A thought, simple as that.

Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.

Psalms 80:19

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

Colossions 3:10