2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV) — So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

If you drive by a construction site, you’ll notice a mess. Often there are piles of dirt, rocks, and materials everywhere with no semblance of order. This is especially true in scenarios where old buildings or trees had to be torn out before new construction begins. It looks destroyed. If you drive by, you certainly don’t think there is an order or structure to it. And you don’t look at it and think about progress. 

Yet progress is exactly what is happening. Something is being built and developed, despite what the appearances might be. The same is true with our lives. Our passage today hits on that reality. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and he tells them, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”

What does Paul mean? He means that we don’t lose heart as our bodies endure the hardships of life. As we get older and our bodies ache, bones pop, and backs get stiff, we don’t get discouraged as if everything is in disarray. No, we remember that the Lord is renewing our inner self each day. We are being renewed by the grace of God even when our outward lives may have struggles. 

Renewal is an important word. The Lord renews, strengthens and refreshes His people. Each day we are helped by God in our trials. He comforts us in our sorrows and suffering. He provides us wisdom to make good decisions and be discerning about scenarios we face. We are renewed in our faith and trust in the promises of God. This act of renewal is God’s reminder to us that while our bodies get older, hurt more, and struggle to do things we’ve done before, our inner self is growing stronger. 

Walk by faith in that truth. Remember today that the Lord is at work in your life. In fact, let your aches, soreness, and discomfort remind you that He is at work in your soul.

Reflection & Journal: 
- What are some examples of our outer self wasting away?  
- How have you seen God renew your inner self each day? 
- In what ways does God renew us? What things do we do? 

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