Renewed Strength for the Path You’re On
“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished…” (Philippians 1:6 NLT).
I’m not sure where the New Year’s tradition of “out with the old and in with the new” originated, but I know it didn’t come from Scripture. I understand the appeal of releasing the old and embracing the new. But the potential problem with this mindset is twofold.
First, what we deem as “old” are usually the things that feel difficult. Yet it’s often these very things God uses to strengthen and equip us. And second, we’re called to persevere in our life assignments, not exchange them for new ones.
While there may be some “old” things—unhealthy habits, unproductive thoughts—that absolutely need to be discarded, for most of us, what we need far more than a brand‑new path is renewed strength for the one we’re already on.
The Truth About Your Path
The truth is you’re not where you are by chance. God is sovereign. This means you are where you are by choice—His choice. Before you were born, God designed your life path, including every challenge you would ever face.
You see, God never promised us “easy.” In fact, He told us life would be hard (John 16:33). Yet He also encouraged us by reminding us that nothing is too difficult or impossible for Him. And most significantly, He promised to personally strengthen, help, and uphold us (Isaiah 41:10). This is why we can be confident, hopeful, even optimistic about the path we’re on.
The Biblical Perspective of Renewal
I think often we equate renewal with actions we take—intentional time away, a nap, or a workout. Yet the Biblical perspective is quite different. From Scripture’s point of view, renewal isn’t about what we do, but what God does for us when we come to Him in humility, recognizing our need and our utter dependence on Him to do all things.
As invincible and indestructible as we sometimes are led to believe we are, the truth is we are human. Because of this, even the strongest among us grow weary, tired, and sometimes discouraged. This is why we all need to lean into biblical renewal as a regular rhythm of life.
The following are a few practical steps we can take to make this happen.
Practical Steps Toward Biblical Renewal
Talk to God regularly and honestly—in prayer, confession, lament, and worship. Not as a religious duty, but as a heartfelt desire to be with Him.
Replace any lies you’ve unintentionally believed about yourself, someone else, or God with the truth of Scripture.
“Yoke” yourself to Jesus, allowing Him to help you carry any burdens you’ve been trying to manage on your own.
Meditate on Scripture continually, allowing God’s Word to shape your thoughts, actions, and responses.
Commit to a weekly Sabbath, recognizing your vital need for soul rest.
Abide in Jesus, allowing Him to infuse you with His Spirit, strength, and power.
Lean into Godly community for support, comfort, care, and friendship.
These steps are simple, yet they are powerful because they position us to experience renewal. And again, renewal is something we all need to embrace and practice. It serves us well, equipping us with endurance and strength for the path we’re on.
So today, what if instead of longing for something new, we asked God for strength for the path we’re already on? He delights when we trust Him to work through us. And He is faithful to equip us to continue, and ultimately complete, the work He initiated in us, filling us with renewed joy, gratitude, and purpose.
Pray
Father God, I recognize that You’ve placed me where I am in this season of my life for a purpose. Yet I understand that apart from You, I can do nothing (John 15:5). So I ask for Your Spirit to empower me to persevere with increased joy and gratitude for the path I am on. I am so grateful for the strength I have in You. You are consistently faithful and good. Amen.
Reflect
Where in your life do you most need God’s renewing strength for the path you’re already on?
Friends, I’d love to hear your experience! Feel free to share your responses in the comment section below, or with me and others HERE!