In my recent study of Revelation 2, where John hears from God that He has messages for seven churches, we see that restoration is the overriding message. When I named my Lenten book, “Restore My Soul Psalms” it was an attempt for readers to examine their lives and their walk with God as the forty days of Lent prescribes. The church at Ephesus hears its indictment: “You have lost your first love,” meaning, you’ve lost your passion and love for Christ. Another is tolerating sin in its midst because it’s easier. Another is lukewarm in its mission.
When I restore a piece of furniture, I rid it from coats of paint or the dullness that comes from years of misuse and lack of care. Unless it is restored to its foundation, it’s just an old table or a faded painting. Once the coats of filth are removed, the beauty of its original workmanship can be seen.
Our faith needs “dusting off” sometimes. We hang on to the remnants of our first zeal, allow the world’s culture to creep in, tolerate the grudges and judgmental attitudes, and get lazy. Lend it is time to uncover all these indiscretions and restore our souls.
Colossians 3:16 says: “Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use His words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” I know of three churches preaching through the book of Colossians during Lent. It’s a good place to start if we wish, with all our hearts, through prayer and thoughtful consideration, to prepare for Easter’s rejoicing. Let us clear out the junk, clean up our thoughts and practices, and get down to the basics of living Christ with all our hearts, minds, strength, and purpose. Let our prayer be one of restoration.
MY PSALM 311 RESTORATION
Heavenly Father, Lord of the Universe, Savior of my soul,
I come to You this day with thanksgiving
For the blessing of Your salvation.
I thank You that before the dawn of creation
You knew me, You loved me, You called me,
Your daughter, to be one of Yours,
And that I now know You as Savior, Lord, Master!
I pray You will keep the joy of my salvation
New every morning
That I will be fully alive in Your Presence,
Able to see Your tender mercies
Throughout each moment of the day
And especially in the quiet of the night
When I need Your reassurance.
Forgive me when I fill my days
So full of lesser things
That I fail to acknowledge Your Presence
Or my continuous need for Your mastery
Of what I call my affairs.
I know nothing is by chance,
That I need Your direction in all things.
As a brook babbles toward its destination
Refreshing all in its presence,
So use me to help others seek You,
And in finding You
To rejoice in knowing Your Presence as well.
In Jesus’ Precious Name. Amen.
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