“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” (Isaiah 61:4)
For many people, summer brings anticipation of vacations and long-awaited “R and R” –rest and relaxation. While reading this verse in Isaiah, I noticed some other “R” words that benefit me more than any vacation.
This passage describes what God’s redeemed people will do. They will rebuild, restore, and renew. Although I am very familiar with these words, I looked up the definitions again.
To rebuild is to remodel extensively or reconstruct with new parts. To restore is to bring back to a former condition, health, or strength. To renew is make fresh or strong again or to revive.
How do these words impact my own life? There are ruinous old thought habits that need to be reconstructed– thought patterns of fear, despair, negativity, and hopelessness. They need to be replaced with the truth of God’s Word which reminds me that God’s Spirit and power are within me, giving me the courage and strength to fight old ways of responding to my problems.
Although in this life my body may not be restored to the health of years past, God is able to restore my soul and give me fresh strength to endure my earthly trials until I receive my new and perfect body in eternity. I need God’s Word and Spirit to revive me when I feel I’ve had all I can take of pain, suffering, and disappointment.
Sometimes my health conditions limit my traveling abilities. A summer vacation may not always be a possibility for me. And many times my aches and pains keep me from really feeling restful and relaxed. But these words in Isaiah are truths I can claim regardless of how limited I am, how much pain I’m experiencing, or how devastated I feel my life is. Praise God for His wonderful “R and R”s?!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me hope and faith to trust You for the rebuilding, restoring, and renewing that I need in my life. Amen.
About the Author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA and is blessed to have the support and encouragement of a wonderful husband and three grown daughters. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.
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What ruins and devastated places does God want to rebuild and renew in your life?
Bronlynn – what a great message!
I will never look at R&R again without remembering God’s purposes to rebuild, restore and renew. Amen!
Love,
Lynn
Bronlynn: A real vacation with rest and relaxation, away from home, looks like an impossibility fo me this summer. In fact, so far I’ve been disappointed, having been too busy to sit out on our deck all that much. A retreat to the world of nature where I sense such a closeness with the Lord. Something I look forward to through the long winter months.
There are some good reasons for special inside activities. I am also so much looking forward to having my son and family visit after two years of ministry in another country.
However, I too see the need for God to work in my thoughts and attitudes. Resentment has reared its ugly head once again and I want Him to be the winner over this. May we EXPECT Him to provide these R’s because He desires this even more than we do.
Thanks Lynn! I pray you are having an enjoyable summer.
Beth, I hope you do get some time this summer to be outside and enjoy the warm weather. I know you must be getting so excited about seeing your family! I pray we can allow God to do His rebuilding and restoring and not hinder the work He wants to do in us!
Blessings,
Bronlynn
Thank you, Bronlynn! So far we have had only two days that reached ( just by a hair ) 70 degrees. And those were not consectutive days. Truly, we are not having summertime kind of weather but mostly pleasant days. I have heard that D.C. has had heat waves most high. Have they headed south your way? That said, R&R is going on – tje kind you describe and a bit of the other kind!
Beth – so good to read that your son and family are going to be with you for a while. That is reason to rejoice.
Love to you both!
Lynn