O the life of a thirty six year old youth pastor and father of three little ones. I feel the same as I did when I was younger but the guy in the mirror looks a little older. I find my self looking at the next picture or perhaps the previous one to find one that shows my "good side", seem like its getting harder and harder to find. So maybe it's time to accept the reality that time turns the page and these new lines on my face have become life long partners in my journey through life. Maybe the last trend that I took up was my last positive (or negative) move towards a youthful existence?
As the youth band played the song "Beautiful Things" last night in church, the message of the song hit me. "You make me new, You are making me new" is the line that really got my attention. Our number of days in life take us farther from new and often make us feel like we are old, out of date, useless, and worthless. The love of God in our life should be making us feel like we are new each day. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 we read: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit". With each passing day in the Lord we are to know more of Him. We become new in our lives as we are exposed to His glory in our lives. What an amazing blessing we have in Him, that He makes us new everyday! His love and grace towards us each new day should fill us with hope and purpose regardless of what the image in the mirror is screaming at us.
Lamentations 3:22-24
22The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases
his mercies never come to an end;
23they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
His mercies are new for you today. He is making you new today as He shines the light of His grace in your life. Get in the fight and do your part. Be encouraged today as He makes you new!!
