Refresh & Renew

As we welcome July, let’s take a moment to pause and ponder.

The midpoint of the year is a special place — an intersection at crossroads where we have options. Will we step forward with praise & thanksgiving or stand in grumbling as the days pass us by? We have the opportunity to reflect backwards, praise in the present, & step in surrender to the Lord.

So far, 2026 may have been wonderful for you, maybe it has been challenging, or a mix of both. Perspective matters, right? Of course, perspective doesn’t change challenges, but a heart of praise and gratitude can gradually inch us toward wholeness.

We all know the infamous question: ‘Is the cup half empty or half full’? As we enter the second half of the year, which will you choose?

Perspective matters, but it isn’t always reliable, is it? The most important Choice is who we surrender to.

Christ is here to refresh & renew.

Scripture Meditation

• Psalms 23:3 — He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

• Romans 12:2 — 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.

Breath Prayers

Inhale: You leads me beside quiet waters — Exhale: You refresh my soul

Inhale: I take captive every thought — Exhale: And make it obedient to you, O God

Closing Prayer

Father, thank you for this gift of life and intersections to pause. Help us remember to not rush from day to day and week to week. Rather, let us be still enough to be present with You and the life You bless us with. Refresh and renew us, O Lord. Equip and strengthen us to serve you as we step forward into the rest of this year.

We love you, O Lord. Amen.