Renewed Day by Day

Draft, under review

2 Corinthians 4:16–18

16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.

17For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.

18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Berean Standard Bible. Read the full chapter

Reflection

Paul was not writing from a place of comfort. In the verses just before, he describes being pressed on every side, struck down, and carrying in his body the dying of Jesus (2 Cor 4:8–10). He knew what it was to have a body that was wearing out. So when he says we do not lose heart (2 Cor 4:16), it isn't a slogan. It is a choice made in pain.

He is honest about the outside: the body is wearing down. He doesn't pretend that illness is an illusion or that strong faith keeps the body from decline. Later in the same letter he begs God three times to take away his own affliction, and the answer is no (2 Cor 12:7–9).

But something else is happening at the same time. Inwardly, God keeps making us new, one day at a time (2 Cor 4:16). That is not a single dramatic healing. It is daily grace, given in small portions, like manna, enough for today (Exod 16:4).

Then Paul does something remarkable with the weight of suffering. He sets it on a scale against an eternal weight of glory, and calls the suffering light and momentary by comparison (2 Cor 4:17). That doesn't make your pain small today. It means the scale has another side.

Keep asking God for healing; Scripture invites it (Jas 5:14–15). Take your medicine and see your doctor, because that care is God's mercy too (Col 4:14). And when you can't see improvement, fix your eyes on what is unseen and lasting (2 Cor 4:18), the resurrection body that is coming (Rom 8:23).

Word study: verified (STEPBible)

anakainoo (Greek, Strong's G341): to renew (2 Cor 4:16). It answers enkakeo (to lose heart, G1573) in the same verse. In 2 Cor 12:9 grace is said to arkeo (be sufficient, G714) for astheneia (weakness, G769).

Cross-reference trail

2 Cor 12:9: Grace that is enough.
Ps 73:26: When flesh and heart fail.
Rom 8:23: Groaning for our bodies' redemption.
Isa 40:31: Strength renewed.
Rev 21:4: No more pain.

Go deeper

Question tree: Does God care about my sickness?, Does God care about my sickness?
Question tree: What about the thorn that doesn't go away?, What about the thorn that doesn't go away?
Pathway: Illness, content/pathways/illness.md

Prayer

Lord, my body is tired; renew me inside today, and keep my eyes on the life You have promised. Amen.