Uplifting Bible Verses on Renewal of Spirit, Mind, and Heart

How would you define Spiritual Renewal? It is one of those terms that we know about, but we may not think about it much.  Spiritual renewal isn’t just for the new year and it doesn’t end when we accept Jesus as our Savior; it’s a continuous process! Yes, as in every day. So here are some uplifting verses on renewal to encourage you on your journey!

The season is slowly changing here, and it always reminds me of spiritual renewal. I can hardly wait for spring when the entire landscape goes through a drastic renewal. Everything comes back to life, bringing color and scents and warmth.

We were dead in our sins before accepting Jesus- similar to winter here, where much of our physical world dies off, leaving only a bleak landscape.

Personally, I like to live in the transformed, fully alive, bursting with joy season. I enjoy spring, but I am talking about the spiritual renewal that is ours for the taking.

Renewal in the Bible

“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5

Sealing our lives with Christ Jesus brings eternal life that begins at the moment we believe. Our old life is gone and a new life has begun!  

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

There are times, however, when our spiritual lives lag and can use some refreshment.

For example, we may read the Bible, but only as a superficial skimming of His Word. Sometimes, our words and actions don’t show Jesus to others. Praise and worship happen only on Sundays. Our prayer life has tapered off…

The fight against our sinful nature is a daily struggle. When we make spiritual renewal a daily habit, we can keep our sinful nature in check.

What does Renewal Mean in the Bible?

Spiritual renewal is a daily transformation of your heart, mind, and spirit to bring spiritual growth and the ability to know the will of God for our lives.

Sounds great, right?

Importance of Spiritual Renewal

Unfortunately, we all occasionally chase after the things of the world that bring happiness, peace, and comfort. Those things are short-lived and eventually unfulfilling.

There is nothing more fulfilling and inspiring, however, than enjoying a closer walk with Jesus.

Spiritual renewal helps us stay on this walk with Him. We see the world through His eyes and live to promote His agenda, not our own.

Scriptures for Renewing the Mind

Let’s start with the renewing of our minds. 

Thoughts are powerful, but most days we sail along, ignoring the tens of thousands of thoughts being processed through our mind.

We try to live for Jesus and show Him to others in our words and actions, but if we don’t work at renewing our mind, we easily fall back into bad habits and patterns of living.

The best way to achieve renewal of  your mind is to refocus your thinking. Paul puts it this way:

Romans 12:2-

“I urge you, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God- this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Paul’s Greek word “transformed” is where our English word “metamorphosis” comes from. We need a complete change of thought, starting from the inside, where all our thoughts originate.

Renewing our mind is an inner change of thoughts that focuses on God. Studying and reflecting on the Word of God with the help of the Holy Spirit brings this transformation.

Colossians 3:2-

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Concentrate on the eternal, not the temporary setbacks, trials, and aggravations of everyday life. Look at life from God’s perspective. Not all earthly things are evil, of course, but we have to be careful they don’t squeeze out the heavenly things.

Philippians 4:8-

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think about such things.”

What we put into our minds determines what comes out. Evaluate what TV shows, books, movies, podcasts, conversations, etc. fit into this verse. If they do not, replace them.

Ephesians 4:22-24

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

We “put off” our old self when we accepted Christ, but it also needs to be a daily decision. Corruption and deceit still knock on our door; we can resist with a new mindset. (And let Jesus answer the door!)

1 Corinthians 2:16

“Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

​No one can completely know the mind of God, but through the guidance and the power of the Holy Spirit, we gain some insight into His plans and thoughts. Spend time consistently in God’s Word and renew your mind to be more like Him.

Bible Verses about Renewal of Spirit

Are you feeling weary and worn down? Discouraged or lonely? Too tired to move off the couch? Life can wear us down, but God has a plan to bring you back into His presence and give you His strength and joy.

 A renewed spirit brings us closer to God, transforming our worry into joy.

Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

I pray this verse every morning as a praise back to God. I screw up daily and let life pull me under, but I can always rest in His love, care, and forgiveness.

Psalm 51:10

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” 

Ask Him to encourage, restore, and renew you; clearing away the cobwebs of doubt, defeat, and discouragement and replacing them with a desire to do the will of God. 

Renew Your Strength

No matter what drains your strength- burdens, tensions, sin, finances, relationship issues- our God is the one who can comfort you and renew your strength, and He is faithful to do it!

It was hard to pick just a few…

Isaiah 40:31

“But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become wear, they will walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Philippians 4:13 

“I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”

Believe it and claim this verse for yourself. You can personalize it- “Lord, I know I can face (this illness, relationship issue, financial crisis, etc.) because Your strength is within me!”

2 Corinthians 12:10

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Let God fill you with His mighty power and strength when obstacles come your way. It is a gift given to you. Laugh in the face of the devil who would love to bring you down! We worship a mighty God!

Renew My Heart Bible Verse

Heart renewal focuses our lives on God and what is true and everlasting.

Ezekiel 36:26 

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

Our new heart is the work of the Holy Spirit. We work with Him to renew our heart and be content with God, setting new purposes and directions that align with Him.

2 Corinthians 4:6 

God “made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

God renews our hearts by illuminating them with His wisdom and knowledge. Every time we read and study His Word, we are given this gift.

Psalm 34:18 

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

He hears your cries and comes close to you. You are His precious child; He will comfort and care for you.

Being Renewed Day by Day

2 Corinthians 4:16

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self in being renewed day by day. ESV.

Sometimes we feel like giving up, walking away from our problems. At these times, we must rely on the Holy Spirit for inner strength. This is a promise of inward blessing and renewal from our Father.

Jesus gave the disciples a radical new teaching on forgiveness and their hearts desired the faith to carry it out. They cried out to Him with this prayer, “Lord, increase our faith!” 

Likewise, we can pray for His help in cultivating a deeper relationship with Him. Lord, bring me spiritual renewal!

Prayer for Renewal

Lord, I come to you asking for spiritual renewal. I know there is nothing more fulfilling than a closer walk with You! Yet I fall away from you daily as I chase after the things of the world. These things bring only short-lived happiness and peace. I want to desire only your perfect gifts.

Thank you, Jesus, for saving me from my sins and renewing me day by day through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Bring restoration and renewal that clears out my heart, bringing contentment and aligning my thoughts and actions with Yours.

I ask for an inner change of thoughts to focus on You; transforming my life to bring you all the glory and honor. Thank you for the promise to renew my strength and to lift me up when burdens weigh me down.

I pray for the strength of heart and mind to incorporate the spiritual disciplines of prayer, study of your Word, confession, and praise to transform my life. Restore and renew me with your tender love and guidance, transforming me into the likeness of your Son. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

I pray that we all join with our Advocate, our Helper, the Holy Spirit who lives within us, to live for Jesus as transformed and renewed people!

Blessings,

AnnMarie

All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.

Photo Credit: Canva