After David complained to God in the first few verses of Psalm 13, he said, “renew me.” Remember, Psalm 13 is a poem, and David writes in poetic language. Psalm 13:3b Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. [1] The NIV translation says, “Give light to my eyes,” while the Amplified Version says, “Give light (life) to my eyes.” No matter how the phrase is translated, it expresses the need for renewal.
David’s Requests for Renewal
This wasn’t the only time David asked God for renewal. (list)
Psalm 23:3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.[2]
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you.[3]
Other Authors of Scripture Request Renewal
Isaiah 40: 29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. 30 Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.[4]
Jeremiah in Lamentations 5: 21 Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had!
Paul in 2 Corinthians 4: 16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. [5]
Use Scripture as a Model for Renewal
We, too, will have times when we need God to renew us. Circumstances wear us down, and we can turn to our Lord for strength. We know we can be honest about our situation as we pray. If you aren’t sure what to pray, take one or more of the above Scriptures and turn them into your prayer. Be assured that God hears your prayers and will answer in His time and His way with love for you.
When should you pray, “renew me?” Listen here to learn more:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/lament-how-long
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ps 13:3). Tyndale House Publishers.