Renew a right spirit in me

by Anissa Canova

One of the many definitions of renew is to “replace something that is broken or worn out.”

Eight years ago, I found myself shattered after a tragic accident claimed my best friend’s life and I lost my job of more than 15 years. I felt broken beyond repair–hopeless and worn out.

I prayed to God for answers, for guidance and for a purpose to go on. One day, I turned the radio on and Mandisa’s song “He is with you” was playing.  I had an epiphany, and I thought “God is with me.”

I spent a lot of time feeling that God abandoned me, but even with my anger and questions, God did not reject me. God held onto me, comforted me. God was where I needed him most, carrying me through the difficult time like the last line of the “Footprints in the Sand” poem.

I started studying the Bible and journaling. My relationship with God continued to grow. God slowly restored my heart, mind and soul. God repaired my heart by replacing the bitterness and anger with hope, joy, love and awareness.

The fog began to lift from my mind. I connected with God and others, and for the first time in my life, I knew I had a purpose. I knew I was here to serve God. I felt God’s grace, mercy and love like I never had before.

God saved my life. And now, I feel alive and truly blessed.

Lent is an ideal time for renewal and reflection. It is a good time to renew our relationship with God, to start over, to continue our commitment to God.

[bctt tweet=”God saved my life. And now, I feel alive and truly blessed.” username=”womenoftheelca”]

Psalm 51: 10 is a perfect verse to pray during the Lenten season: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Pray that God will repair what is broken or worn out in you.

And don’t stop at Lent.  Women of the ELCA’s Tenth Triennial Gathering, July 13-16, comes with the theme All Anew. The gathering in Minneapolis is another opportunity for renewal, fellowship, learning and, of course, fun!

Anissa Canova, Gouldsboro, Penn., serves the Women of the ELCA executive board. She is a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Gouldsboro. Read otherWomen of the ELCA blogs here.