"I Need a New Song"

When we think of renewal, what comes to mind? Renewing that library card, that membership to a gym (I'm speaking hypothetically here...let's be honest here), whatever needs renewing; you get the picture. Renewal indicates that something has grown stagnant, expired, and needs updating in order to stay current and relevant. Without that renewal, we're not going to have access to those research materials or our favorite workout spot (judge me not.) in the gym.

In our relationship with God, renewal is something that we should be striving for daily. First thoughts come to mind of needing forgiveness. If our relationship is such that we are in need of forgiveness, He is quick to forgive when we seek Him; I can testify wholeheartedly to that. To the Christian who is seeking to go deeper in their relationship with the Father, that renewal is going to be something that we have to pursue on a daily--maybe even hourly--basis.

Last Sunday, as I got up in front of my home church's congregation to lead worship, I immediately started glancing out into the congregation. Usually, I'm looking to see if there is anybody new in church (for the record, that's a rarity for us). This past week, however, I found myself looking out into a sea of grey. Where I once would have been angered over that, I found my heart breaking. What is wrong with these people? I couldn't help but think it. As I started singing a favorite hymn of mine, I tried to get the congregation to join in and reflect over the words; it most definitely fell flat. I so desperately wanted these people to show some sign of being moved by the Holy Spirit. I didn't see it. Stony expressions glared back at me, almost challenging me to finish the song as fast as I could so they could go back to their static mindset.

Any time I've felt "comfortable," God has always had this great way of (sometimes literally) shaking me from that complacency. During those times--especially when I'm walking through the fire--I can't help but become down, exasperated, and ask God repeatedly why He would let me go through this. Exiting those trials, I find myself turning back and thanking Him for what He's seen me through, and what He's blessed me through in those trials. Looking back, I would rather walk through the trials over becoming complacent any day. It is in those times that we are reminded of our own frailty and failings, and God's great strength and victory in His love.

I see in my church family a lot of people who have become comfortable. I see people who would rather harden their hearts and let their church die rather than welcome in new believers, seasoned believers, or even someone who isn't like them.

Why?! "Because that's how it's always been." "I don't like it that way." "That's how it's always been." Did Christ hang on a cross and rise from the grave so that we could just stay the same? Certainly not. We cannot afford to have that happen in the Body of Christ. What my church needs is a renewal of the heart that only He can bring. As I point the finger, I immediately turn it back to myself. I ask of God what areas of my life need renewal so that I can be a better representation of Him to the world. Revival and renewal in any part of the Body won't happen until we are willing to let God transform a rebellious heart, and in turn the rebellious hearts seek Him in community.

I want to see renewal in every heart, mind, and soul of every believer. I want to see people with a passion for the Lord and what He's done for us out of love. I want to see a people not just being "good people," I want to see people transformed inside and out all for God's glory. I want my home church bursting at the seams. Do I want it that way because the finances will be better? Or because the place will look better filled? Maybe I want that so I can brag about how well my specific church is doing? NO! A thousand times no. I want to see it that way because the Gospel is proclaimed in all that my church family says and does; and as a result of that, people who are seeking to fill that void left in their lives will find the only One who can fill it. I want that of every church on this planet.

As we seek His renewing touch in our lives, He will put a new song in our mouth, a hymn of praise that rises up to a pleased, gracious, Father. The challenge isn't an "are you up to it?" We don't have a choice. We need to submit ourselves to the daily renewal that only God can bring in our lives. The bride of Christ needs to be living and breathing in Him so that He can use us to reach out into a lost, hurting, broken world. Accept that challenge today, every day, every minute of every day, every moment.