Do you remember how you felt right after you accepted Christ as your savior? Remember that powerful feeling of walking on air with your head in the clouds knowing that all things are possible? Remember the desire to share your Good News with everyone you met? Remember how you longed to learn more about God and draw even closer to Him through Bible study and prayer? Remember how you looked so forward to going to church to worship and fellowship with other Christians? Has that powerful driving force gradually given way to the cares and responsibilities of your daily life or have you been able to maintain your initial enthusiasm?
Most of us not only need to remember, but we need to revisit the powerful love of God we felt and the love and praise we felt for Him in return. My church has a First Love Conference every year with special worship services and guest speakers to not only remind us of our first love, but to help us regain that energy and desire to serve and draw closer to Him. What did we do when we were new born babes in His Spirit? Do it all again! Did you pray without ceasing? Do it again! Did you witness to everyone around you? Do it again! Did you read and study God’s word daily? Do it again! Did you worship Him with all of your heart, mind and spirit at every opportunity? Do it again! That is how you reactivate the power and energy of the Holy Spirit within you; “the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead”. (Romans 8:11) That is all the power you will ever need to get back to where God wants you to be.
Although our relationship with God is primary in importance, other relationships often need to be revitalized too. Want to feel once more the thrill of falling in love with your husband or wife? Do and say the things you did back then. Did you dress up and go out to dinner together? Do it again with a regular scheduled date night! Did you give unexpected gifts to each other? Do it again! Did you find little ways to express your affection? Do it again! You will find that the flame you thought had died down or even died out is not only still there, but is burning even brighter now than it did on your wedding day.
Returning to your first love, whether it is God, your spouse or someone else very close to you, is easy. All you have to do is concentrate on your contribution to the relationship instead of waiting for them to make the first move. If you haven’t already experienced the thrill of renewed love, give it a try and you will never want it to end.