A Restoration of the Spirit

"Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you."  - Zechariah 9:12 (NIV)

The Christian will suffer in various ways during the course of life. Many sins and hardships take its toll over time. And although we have received salvation, it does not block pain and heartache in our temporal existence.

As with any long-term endeavor, our determination, energy, enthusiasm, resolve, or whatever else you might want to call it, is subject to requiring maintenance, or even repair. 

If you've been a true and faithful believer for a while, you may have experienced this. And while some may sound the panic alarm, it's not unusual, nor is it anything to be ashamed of. 

What is needed is "spiritual restoration!" For the Christian, this has to do with taking action to return to a right relationship with God; usually after span of sin, disobedience, or spiritual decline.

The concept is well-established in Scripture, with God frequently trying to bring His people back to Himself. Some might ask, "Okay, well and good, but what does this require on my part?"

Here are some important points regarding "spiritual restoration" as featured in the Bible. This includes:

• Acknowledging sin, turn away from it, and seek forgiveness from God (repentance).
• A return to God, which can only happen through Jesus Christ (reconciliation).
• The desire to live in obedience to God that occurs by experiencing a change of heart (renewal of the heart).
• Finding joy and peace in the presence of God regardless of past hurts, (restoration of joy and peace).
• Wanting the pleasure and satisfaction of living a life that manifests God's character and purpose to the world (transformation).
• Always consider that "spiritual restoration" is not a one-time event, but a life-long journey. 

There are many excellent examples of these concepts in action throughout Scripture. For instance, after his sins, King David repented and desired God's restoration by praying for a pure heart (Psalm 51:10 ).

Another good example is the The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). The prodigal returns home to his father, then is joyfully welcomed back into his family. Thus, demonstrating a restoration of a broken relationship.

In the end, restoration is more than just a repair job. It's about getting back on track with God's plan for you. Think of it as a readjustment or reset that encourages you to thrive and flourish within His Kingdom.

"Spiritual restoration" then pertains to healing from the results of our sins, and reestablishing one's relationship with God. The outcome is being able to live a transformed life through repentance, reconciliation, and His mercy and grace.

Scripture: Job 42:10; Psalm 23:3; Proverbs 3:5-6; Zechariah 9:12; 1 Peter 5:10  

Prayer: "Holy Father, restore the joy of your salvation, renew my exhausted spirit, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me find strength in your love and guidance, and guide me on the path of spiritual growth, Amen."

In Christ's Love,

Alissa