A backslider, if there's any life left in him, will long for restoration. This renewal requires the same grace as at our conversion. We needed repentance then, and we need it now. We needed faith to come to Christ at first; the same grace brings us to Jesus now.

Back then, we needed a word from God to calm our fears, and we find we need it just as much today when we feel the weight of our sins. Renewal needs the Holy Spirit's power, just as when we first believed, because the work is great, and flesh and blood stand in the way as ever. Let your weakness, Christian, drive you to earnestly pray for God's help.

David, when he felt weak, didn't stay silent. He went to God, saying, "Renew a right spirit within me." Don't let the belief that you can't do it alone make you passive. Instead, let it push you with urgency to the God of Israel for strength. Pray earnestly, "Lord, renew a right spirit within me." Those who sincerely ask this will show their sincerity by using the means God provides. Pray often, live by God's Word, fight the sins that distance you from your Lord, and guard against future sin. Stay by the wayside to be ready when the Lord comes near. Keep up with all the practices that revive your fading graces, and knowing that all power comes from Him, always cry out, "Renew a right spirit within me."