Everything on earth needs renewal. Nothing created continues on its own. "You renew the face of the year," said the Psalmist. Even trees, which don't worry or exhaust themselves with labor, must drink the rain and draw from the soil's hidden treasures.

The cedars of Lebanon, planted by God, only live because they draw fresh sap from the earth each day. Our lives can't endure without God's renewal. Just as the body needs regular meals for energy, our souls need nourishment from God's Word, the preached message, and spiritual practices. How weak our faith becomes when we neglect these means!

How malnourished are those believers who live without regularly engaging with God's Word and secret prayer! If our faith can survive without God, it's not truly from Him. Without constant renewal, we're unprepared for the attacks of hell, the trials from heaven, or even our inner struggles. When life's storms hit, woe to the tree that hasn't absorbed fresh sap or rooted itself in the rock.

When storms arise, it's dire for sailors who haven’t strengthened their mast, cast their anchor, or sought a safe haven. If we let our strength diminish, evil will grow and fight to control us, possibly leading to ruin and disgrace. Let's humbly approach God's mercy and realize the promise: "They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength."