Restored Like New

 "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."  (Psalm 23:3).

        
         Think about an old car. At one time, it was in great condition. It was shiny, clean, and solid. However, years of weather, storms, miles and use had caused the car to lose it's shine and efficiency. Parts had broken, seats ripped, the body rusted and windshield cracked. Then imagine an owner who decides to restore this vehicle. Think about what all takes place. The broken, rusty, and non-functioning parts are removed and replaced with new parts. The exterior is cleaned, painted and polished and the inside is completely replaced. Every detail resembles those which the designer originally formed. We then say that this vehicle is "restored".

         Think about an old piece of furniture. At one time, it had function and looked great. However, years of wear and tear have caused scratches, and the finish doesn't look like it did when it was new. Now imagine someone taking this old, unwanted piece of furniture and lovingly sanding away all the years of paint and varnish from the exterior of this piece. They replace the broken parts and refinish it to make it look like it did when it was new.  It takes some time, but well worth the effort.

        God saw that we were in need of a restoration. Years of storms, battles and problems have caused us to lose our shine and luster. We no longer function like we were designed to function. We are broken. We are weak and unstable.  We cannot continue in that condition. 

        The devil would make us believe we are beyond restoration and are ready for the junk pile. People often give up on us saying there is no hope for us. If we are not careful, we soon believe those lies. God sees beyond all the layers that have been built up in us. He sees the potential that lies beneath. God lovingly strips away all the years of care, worry, pain, strife, anxiety, sin, doubt, frustration, anger, bitterness, and whatever else we were layered with. This is not a pleasant process and sometimes it takes awhile to get through all the layers. It isn't fun and it isn't easy. However, if we will allow Him to do the restoring, it will be well worth all the effort.    


"And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you." (Joel 2:25).


 "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." (Psalm 51:12). 

     He is a restorer... That's what He does. He can restore your peace of mind, health, joy, finances, purpose in life, or whatever has been buried under the layers of time and neglected.   Allow Him today to begin restoring you back to the masterpiece the Master Designer originally formed in you before the cares of this life weakened and broke you. God wants to restore you today. He won't do it without your permission.  Are you ready and willing to submit to His restoration?