“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison…”- 2 Corinthians 4:16-17This world seems to increase in chaos and conflict on a daily basis. Between social media, news outlets, and constant talk of problems these days, it is easy to become discouraged. But then I remember what Jesus said to His disciples in John 16:33: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Jesus tells us, our own experience tells us, even science (the second law of thermodynamics) tells us that this world will increase in turmoil and decrease in order.

But the amazing thing (among millions) about being a child of God is that we are able to grow in spiritual peace, strength, and goodness regardless of where the world is headed. Day by day, as we put God’s word into practice, He provides the renewal our souls so desperately crave. We find a peace that the world cannot give (Jn. 14:27). We become another day closer to eternal bliss with our Father.

Each day that we choose to be built up in the Lord instead of torn down in the world, we grow stronger. Furthermore, our hope points others to the Source of life in a dying world. So, embrace the blessing of constant renewal in Christ, today and everyday!

Here are a few verses to keep spiritual growth on our minds each day…

In speech… Eph. 5:4, Mk. 7:14-23; Matt. 12:33-37

In prayer… Ja.1:5-8; Lk. 18:1-8; Col. 4:2, Ps. 57

In marriage… Eph. 5:22-33, 1 Cor. 13:4-7; Col. 3:12-14

In child rearing… Eph. 6:4; Ps. 127:3-5; Deut. 6:6-7

In our workplace… Matt. 5:9 & 16, Col. 3:17, 4:5

In evangelizing… Rom. 10:14-15, 1:16; Matt. 9:35-38

In prioritizing… Matt. 13:45-46, 6:33, Phil. 2:3-4; Lk. 12:13-21

In mindset… Phil. 1:21-23; Eph. 6:10-12; Col. 3:2

Emily Pollard