29:1 The Philistines brought all their military forces together at Aphek, while the Israelites set up their camp near a spring in Jezreel.
Context: The narrative shifts focus from King Saul's personal despair to the larger conflict. Both the Philistine and Israelite armies are gathering their forces for a major battle, setting the stage for the dramatic events to come.
Meaning: This verse sets the scene for a huge battle. The Philistines, who were Israel's enemies, brought all their military forces together in a place called Aphek. At the same time, the Israelite army, led by King Saul, set up their camp near a spring in Jezreel, preparing to fight. It's like both teams lining up on opposite sides of a sports field, ready for the big game.

29:2 The Philistine rulers marched past in groups of hundreds and thousands, with David and his soldiers bringing up the very end of the procession with King Achish.
Context: As the Philistine army marches, David, who is currently allied with the Philistines and serving King Achish, is seen marching at the very end of their procession. This highlights his precarious position as an Israelite fighting alongside Israel's enemies.
Meaning: As the Philistine army marched, their rulers led the way, with soldiers organised into groups of hundreds and thousands. What's unusual is that David, an Israelite warrior, and his own soldiers were marching at the very end of this enemy army, right alongside King Achish, the Philistine king he was loyal to at the time. This shows how complicated David's situation was, being part of an army that was about to fight his own people.

29:3 Then the Philistine commanders asked, "What are these Israelites doing here?" Achish replied to them, "This is David, King Saul's former officer from Israel. He has been with me for a long time, and I haven't found a single fault with him since the day he joined me until now."
Context: The presence of David, a famous Israelite warrior, among the Philistine forces raises immediate concern and suspicion among the other Philistine commanders. King Achish, who trusts David, defends his loyalty.
Meaning: The other Philistine commanders noticed David and his Israelite soldiers and immediately questioned King Achish, "Why are these Israelites here with us?" Achish responded by explaining that this was David, who used to be a high-ranking officer under King Saul in Israel. Achish pointed out that David had been with him for a long time and that he had never found anything wrong with David's loyalty or actions since he joined them.

29:4 The Philistine commanders grew angry with Achish. They told him, "Send this man back to the place you assigned him. He must not come with us into battle, because he might turn against us during the fight. How else would he try to make peace with his own king? Wouldn't it be by attacking our soldiers?"
Context: Despite Achish's reassurance, the Philistine commanders remain deeply distrustful of David. They fear he might betray them during the battle to regain favour with his own people and King Saul.
Meaning: The other Philistine commanders were not satisfied with Achish's explanation and became angry. They told Achish to send David back to the town he had assigned him. They absolutely refused to let David come with them into battle. Their concern was that David might turn against them during the fight as a way to make peace with King Saul and his own people. They figured David might attack their soldiers to prove his loyalty to Israel again.

29:5 They continued, "Isn't this the David people sing and dance about, saying, 'Saul killed thousands, but David killed tens of thousands'?"
Context: The commanders reinforce their argument against David by recalling a well-known song that celebrated David's overwhelming victories against the Philistines, highlighting his dangerous past.
Meaning: To drive their point home, the Philistine commanders reminded Achish of the famous song people sang about David. The song celebrated David's incredible military victories, saying, "Saul killed thousands, but David killed tens of thousands!" This reminded everyone how dangerous David was to the Philistines in the past and why they couldn't trust him to fight alongside them against Israel.

29:6 So Achish called David and said to him, "I swear by the living God, you have been honourable. I have been pleased with all your actions in the army with me, because I have found nothing wrong with you from the day you came to me until today. But the other Philistine leaders do not approve of you."
Context: Achish, caught between his personal trust in David and the firm opposition of his own commanders, regretfully informs David that he must leave.
Meaning: So, King Achish called David to him and, swearing a serious oath by God, told David that he personally believed he was an honourable and trustworthy man. Achish said he had been very pleased with everything David had done while serving in his army, finding no fault in him since the day he arrived. However, Achish regretfully admitted that the other Philistine leaders simply did not approve of David being with them for the battle.

29:7 "Therefore, go back now and leave in peace, so you don't anger the Philistine commanders."
Context: Achish formally dismisses David from the Philistine army for the upcoming battle, emphasising that it's for David's own good to avoid conflict with the other commanders.
Meaning: Achish then told David, "Because the other Philistine commanders don't approve of you, you must go back now and leave in peace." Achish wanted to make sure David's departure didn't cause any more anger or problems with his own leaders. It was a polite way of telling David he couldn't join the fight.

29:8 David then asked Achish, "What have I done wrong? What fault have you found in me, your servant, since I've been with you until this very day, that I cannot go and fight against the enemies of my lord, the king?"
Context: David, likely relieved but maintaining his cover, feigns disappointment and questions Achish, asking what he has done wrong to be excluded from the battle against the "enemies of my lord, the king."
Meaning: David, acting as if he was truly upset, asked King Achish, "What have I done wrong? What fault have you found in me, your servant, since I've been with you until this very day, that I cannot go and fight against the enemies of my lord, the king (meaning Achish)?" David was pretending he wanted to fight for Achish, even though fighting against his own people (Israel) would have been a terrible situation for him.

29:9 Achish answered David, "I know you seem as good and reliable to me as an angel sent from God. However, the Philistine commanders have declared that you will not go with us into this battle."
Context: Achish, while affirming his personal trust in David once more, reiterates that the decision to exclude David from battle is final and comes from the collective will of the other Philistine commanders.
Meaning: Achish answered David, again confirming his personal high regard. He said, "I know you seem as good and reliable to me as an angel sent from God!" That's a huge compliment, showing how much Achish trusted David. However, Achish clearly stated that despite his personal feelings, the Philistine commanders had made a firm decision: David would not go with them into this battle.

29:10 "So, you and the men who came with you, your master's servants, must get up early tomorrow morning. As soon as it's dawn and you have enough light, you must leave."
Context: Achish gives David specific instructions for his departure, ensuring he leaves promptly and without incident the following morning.
Meaning: Achish then gave David clear instructions for leaving. He told David and the men who had come with him (David's soldiers, referred to as "your master's servants" from Achish's perspective) to get up very early the next morning. As soon as it was dawn and there was enough light to travel, they were to leave. This was to ensure a smooth departure without any further arguments or delays.

29:11 So David and his men got up early that morning to depart, heading back toward the land of the Philistines. Meanwhile, the main Philistine army marched onward to Jezreel.
Context: David and his men depart the Philistine camp, thereby avoiding the impossible moral dilemma of fighting against their own people, while the main Philistine army continues its advance toward the battle with Israel.
Meaning: So, David and his men followed Achish's instructions, getting up early that morning to leave. They headed back toward the land of the Philistines, where they had been living. At the same time, the main Philistine army, now without David, continued their march onward to Jezreel, where the big battle against the Israelites was about to happen. This was a critical moment that kept David from having to fight his own people.

**SECTION 1: Chapter Lessons**

1. **The Peril of Despair:** Saul's final act is one of ultimate despair, choosing self-destruction rather than facing capture and humiliation. This reminds us of the profound human capacity for hopelessness when circumstances feel overwhelming, a feeling often amplified in today's world by isolation or relentless pressure to maintain appearances.
2. **The Cost of Conflict:** The chapter vividly portrays the brutal reality and devastating consequences of war – loss of life, public humiliation, and destruction. It underscores the deep human suffering inherent in conflict, a stark reminder that peace, reconciliation, and non-violence are always the higher calling.
3. **Loyalty Amidst Tragedy:** The armor-bearer's refusal to kill Saul, and later his own suicide, highlights a complex sense of loyalty and shared fate. In our lives, we often witness deep bonds of loyalty and solidarity, even in the face of profound adversity, prompting reflection on who stands with us through thick and thin.
4. **Dignity in Death:** The actions of the people of Jabesh-Gilead, retrieving and honoring the bodies of Saul and his sons, demonstrate a profound respect for human dignity even after death and despite Saul's failures. This act of compassionate care transcends political or personal history, valuing the inherent humanity of the deceased.
5. **The Aftermath of Leadership Failure:** Saul's tragic end is a culmination of a reign marked by disobedience and declining mental state. It serves as a somber reminder of how personal choices and leadership can have far-reaching, even fatal, consequences, not just for the individual but for those they lead.
6. **Community's Redemptive Action:** While Saul's story ends in tragedy, the community of Jabesh-Gilead steps forward with courage and compassion. Their act of retrieving the bodies speaks to the power of a community to provide dignity and closure, even when official structures or larger societal norms might fail.
7. **The Cycle of Violence:** The Philistines' mutilation and display of Saul's body exemplify the dehumanizing nature of war and the cycle of violence. This act of desecration underscores the tragic descent into barbarity that conflict often brings, contrasting sharply with Jesus' calls for peace and love.
8. **The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Power:** Saul, once anointed king, meets a tragic and ignominious end. His story is a powerful testament to the temporary nature of earthly power, status, and recognition, inviting us to consider what truly endures beyond our temporal achievements and struggles for worldly success.
9. **Vulnerability in Crisis:** Even a king, surrounded by an army, can find himself utterly vulnerable and isolated in a moment of crisis. This chapter reminds us that everyone, regardless of position, can face moments of extreme vulnerability, necessitating empathy and support from others.
10. **Overcoming Fear for Others:** The people of Jabesh-Gilead risked their own lives to retrieve Saul's body from a hostile Philistine city. Their brave act exemplifies a profound courage driven by compassion and a sense of shared humanity, choosing to act despite significant personal risk.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let's turn our hearts and minds to a challenging, yet deeply instructive, chapter in Scripture: 1 Samuel 31. This isn't a chapter filled with heroic Davidic psalms or miraculous deliverances. It's a raw, sobering account of defeat, despair, and death – the tragic end of King Saul and his sons. Yet, even in this sombre narrative, God's Spirit illuminates powerful lessons for how we, as modern Christians, can "Act Godly" in a world often marked by similar struggles, failures, and desperate circumstances.

As your coach and fellow pilgrim, I want to dive into the core themes of this chapter, not to dwell on the failures, but to extract the spiritual gold that refines our character and deepens our walk with Christ.

Core Behavioural and Moral Themes from 1 Samuel 31:

1. The Peril of Despair and Self-Reliance Over God-Reliance: Saul's final act—taking his own life—is a stark warning. Faced with overwhelming defeat, injury, and the threat of Philistine mockery, he chose self-destruction over trusting God's sovereignty even in dire circumstances. His life, marked by repeated disobedience and a gradual distancing from God's Spirit, culminates in a tragic end that screams of utter hopelessness. This highlights the danger of abandoning faith and hope in God when the world crumbles around us.
2. The Enduring Power of Courageous Loyalty and Gratitude: Amidst the despair and flight of most Israelites, a ray of light shines from the men of Jabesh-Gilead. They remembered how Saul had previously delivered their city (1 Samuel 11). Driven by this gratitude and extraordinary courage, they risked their lives to retrieve, properly honour, and bury the bodies of Saul and his sons, even though Saul was a fallen, disgraced king. This is loyalty, gratitude, and bravery in action.
3. The Fundamental Importance of Dignity and Respect, Even for the Fallen: The Philistines' desecration of Saul's body—beheading him, displaying his armour in their temple, and fastening his body to the wall of Beth Shan—was an act of ultimate disrespect and triumphalism. In stark contrast, the men of Jabesh-Gilead's actions were about restoring dignity. They burned the bodies (a common practise to prevent further desecration in that culture), buried the bones, and mourned. This reveals a deep moral imperative to treat even our enemies, and certainly the deceased, with a basic level of human dignity, regardless of their past failures or our present conflicts.

How a Modern Christian Can "Act Godly" Based on 1 Samuel 31:

Here are three highly practical, real-world ways you can embody these themes in your everyday life, making God's character shine through you:

1. Cultivate Hope in God Even When Everything Else Fails (Countering Despair):

   • The Lesson: Saul's suicide is a grim testament to the consequences of abandoning hope and relying solely on one's own strength or circumstances. A godly response, even in the deepest valleys, is to cling to the sovereign God.
   • Actionable Item: When you face a significant personal failure, a crushing setback at work, or an overwhelming crisis in your family that feels like the "end of the road," resist the urge to succumb to utter despair or self-destructive thoughts (whether literally or through escapism, addiction, or lashing out). Instead of frantically searching for a human "out," pause. Deliberately turn your heart, mind, and voice towards God. Confess your feelings of hopelessness, but then consciously declare His sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness over your situation, even if you can't see the path forward. Journaling a prayer of surrender and trust, or memorising a promise like Romans 8:28, can be a vital lifeline. This isn't passive resignation; it's active reliance on the only One who can truly redeem any situation.

2. Extend Courageous Loyalty and Gratitude to the Disgraced or Forgotten:

   • The Lesson: The men of Jabesh-Gilead didn't abandon Saul because he was a failure or no longer powerful. They remembered his past kindness and acted with courage and loyalty.
   • Actionable Item: Think about someone you know (a friend, a former leader, a colleague, even a public figure whose past contributions you once admired) who has recently experienced a significant public failure, disgrace, or has simply fallen out of favour and is being widely criticised or forgotten. Instead of joining the chorus of condemnation or quietly distancing yourself, prayerfully consider how you can extend genuine, courageous loyalty and gratitude. This isn't about condoning sin or ignoring wrong, but about remembering their inherent value or past good deeds. It might mean sending a private, encouraging message, offering a kind word of remembrance (even if unpopular), or simply praying for them diligently. It could even involve defending their character against unfair or overly harsh attacks, much like the men of Jabesh-Gilead reclaimed Saul's dignity.

3. Uphold Dignity and Respect for All, Especially Those Who Have Failed or Are Different:

   • The Lesson: The contrast between the Philistines' desecration and Jabesh-Gilead's respectful burial highlights the profound importance of human dignity.
   • Actionable Item: In your daily interactions, make it a conscious practise to treat everyone with fundamental human dignity and respect, regardless of their past mistakes, social status, political views, or how "deserving" you perceive them to be. This means actively resisting the urge to gossip, spread rumours, mock, or "pile on" when someone is experiencing difficulty or has made a mistake. When you encounter someone who is marginalised, unliked, or has visibly failed, instead of judgement or avoidance, seek to acknowledge their humanity. A simple, respectful greeting to a homeless person, a refusal to participate in workplace gossip about a struggling colleague, or a conscious effort to listen respectfully to someone with opposing views—these are all ways to clothe others in dignity, honouring them as image-bearers of God, even when their choices or circumstances are far from ideal.

1 Samuel 31 is not just ancient history; it's a mirror reflecting eternal truths about human nature and God's call on our lives. May we learn from its stark warnings and its shining examples, living lives that consistently reflect the hope, loyalty, and dignity that are hallmarks of our Lord. Be courageous, be grateful, be dignified—and in doing so, act Godly today.

**SECTION 2: Modern Insights**

**The Weight of Unchecked Despair**
* The Scenario: Someone is silently struggling with severe anxiety and depression, feeling isolated and overwhelmed by career pressures and relationship strains, considering giving up on everything.
* The Lesson: Saul's tragic end, driven by profound despair, serves as a stark warning about the dangers of facing overwhelming challenges alone. While he had an armor-bearer who tried to help, his ultimate choice reminds us that in our darkest moments, reaching out for help—whether to friends, family, or professionals—is an act of courageous self-preservation, aligning with a faith that offers hope and community even when life feels broken and hopeless.

**Navigating Public Shaming and Online Cruelty**
* The Scenario: A person makes a mistake at work or in their personal life, and the incident is amplified and distorted on social media, leading to widespread public shaming, cyberbullying, and a feeling of being completely stripped of their dignity.
* The Lesson: The Philistines' public display and desecration of Saul's body mirror the destructive nature of online shaming and cancel culture today. While Saul's enemies sought to humiliate him posthumously, our modern context allows for instantaneous, widespread, and often unforgiving public condemnation. This chapter, however, also shows the counter-example of the people of Jabesh-Gilead, who acted with compassion to restore dignity. This reminds us of Jesus' call to refrain from judgment and to extend grace, refusing to participate in the dehumanizing spectacle of online cruelty and instead choosing empathy and restorative justice.

**Responding to Displacement and Seeking Refuge**
* The Scenario: News reports highlight families fleeing war-torn regions or environmental disasters, seeking safety and a new beginning in other countries, often facing suspicion and difficulty in their journey.
* The Lesson: While 1 Samuel 31 describes a specific conflict and its aftermath, the forced displacement of people in the surrounding regions, evidenced by the Israelite towns being abandoned, resonates with modern issues of migration. The chapter reminds us of the fragility of peace and how conflict displaces communities. Jesus' teachings consistently emphasize welcoming the stranger and loving our neighbor, regardless of origin or belief. In this spirit, a compassionate response to those seeking refuge, offering hospitality, and advocating for their dignity reflects a core biblical value, recognizing the inherent worth of all people.

**The Path Beyond Conflict and Divisions**
* The Scenario: A community is deeply divided by political ideologies or social issues, with harsh rhetoric and demonization of opposing viewpoints making reconciliation seem impossible, even leading to aggressive confrontations in public spaces.
* The Lesson: The chapter vividly depicts the brutal reality of war, where conflict leads to suffering, death, and dehumanizing acts. The Philistines’ actions against Saul illustrate the tragic consequences of unchecked animosity. Jesus, however, taught a radically different path: peace, forgiveness, and active love for enemies. Rather than perpetuating cycles of aggression and division, this chapter implicitly calls us to seek reconciliation, even with those we see as adversaries, and to choose non-violent solutions, understanding that lasting peace comes from understanding and restorative efforts, not from further conflict.

[1 Samuel]

Chapter 31
1. It Is Well by Kristene DiMarco
Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=It+Is+Well+Kristene+DiMarco+Worship
Description: First Samuel 31 portrays the tragic end of King Saul and his sons, a moment of profound despair and defeat for Israel. This song, while rooted in a classic hymn, offers a contemporary declaration of finding peace and steadfastness in God's sovereignty even when circumstances are chaotic and overwhelming, a stark contrast to Saul's final despair.

1. Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
   Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Cornerstone+Hillsong+Worship
   Description: The collapse of Saul's kingdom and his desperate death in 1 Samuel 31 highlights the fragility of human strength and leadership apart from God. "Cornerstone" declares Christ as the unchanging, unshakeable foundation and anchor in life's storms, a vital theological contrast to the crumbling reign of Saul and a call to build our lives on God's enduring truth.

2. Goodness of God by Bethel Music (Jenn Johnson)
   Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Goodness+of+God+Bethel+Music+Worship
   Description: Even amidst the grim realities of death and defeat presented in 1 Samuel 31, this song reminds us of God's unchanging character. It's a powerful declaration that the goodness of God endures through every season, even through national tragedy and personal loss, affirming His faithfulness and sovereignty beyond immediate, devastating circumstances.

[1Samuel]

Chapter 31

Verse 1:
Oh, Holy God, Your sovereignty reigns even amidst the chaos of battle and the sting of defeat. We confess our human tendency to flee in fear when faced with overwhelming challenges, whether in our careers, health, or personal lives. We ask for Your divine courage to stand firm when public failure or criticism threatens to consume us, and for resilience when our foundations seem to crumble. We yield our paths to Your guidance, trusting that even in retreat, Your presence remains. Amen.

Verse 2:
Gracious Father, we praise Your enduring love for all families, even when tragedy strikes and precious lives are lost. We repent for the moments we neglect our relationships, take loved ones for granted, or fail to mend the fractures within our family bonds. We humbly ask for Your profound comfort for those grappling with the devastating loss of family members and for Your healing hand upon all broken relationships. We yield our family structures and our deepest affections to Your merciful plan, even through the valleys of sorrow. Amen.

Verse 3:
Eternal Sustainer, we adore Your unfailing strength, especially when our spirits are wounded and our bodies ache with chronic pain. We confess our despair when long-term illness saps our hope, and we doubt Your capacity to sustain us through relentless suffering. We ask for Your gentle touch upon all who battle chronic health challenges, financial strain from medical burdens, and deep emotional wounds. Grant them resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. We yield our physical and emotional pain to Your compassionate care, seeking comfort and meaning in every moment. Amen.

Verse 4:
Merciful God, we praise Your profound compassion for those who reach the depths of despair, feeling trapped by shame, professional failure, or unbearable suffering. We repent for our human inability to always see a way out of our struggles, and for the temptation to surrender when faced with public humiliation. We ask for Your comforting presence for all who battle mental health struggles, feeling isolated and hopeless. Stir within us the courage to seek help and to offer steadfast support to those in their darkest moments. We yield our fragile hopes and our perceived failures to Your boundless grace, trusting that You offer a path forward even when we see none. Amen.

Verse 5:
Almighty God, Your holy gaze witnesses every human struggle, even profound acts of loyalty and shared despair. We repent for our self-absorption and for failing to notice the silent burdens carried by those around us, especially those grappling with intense pressure. We ask for a spirit of empathy and connection, that we might be a 'Jabesh-Gilead' community for others, offering strength and support when they feel utterly stripped bare. Help us also to find such a community when we ourselves are in need. We yield our spirits to Your guidance, seeking to live lives of genuine connection and compassion. Amen.

Verse 6:
Sovereign Lord, we praise Your hand that meticulously weaves through every thread of history, marking both triumphs and deep tragedies. We confess our disbelief in the cumulative impact of our choices, often thinking small disloyalties or compromises will not lead to significant consequences in our health, relationships, or well-being. We ask for Your discernment to make choices aligned with Your will, and for grace to navigate the ripple effects of past decisions with honesty and a search for meaning. We yield our future and the consequences of our past into Your loving and just hands. Amen.

Verse 7:
Steadfast God, we praise Your unchanging nature in a world where foundations can crumble and security can be fleeting. We repent for our tendency to flee in fear when leadership fails, or when foundational relationships collapse, leaving us feeling exposed and insecure. We ask for Your courage to stand firm in times of societal, familial, or professional instability, and for wise, compassionate leaders who embody integrity. We yield our sense of security and belonging to Your eternal care, knowing You are our ultimate refuge. Amen.

Verse 8:
All-Seeing Lord, we adore Your divine gaze that penetrates beyond the surface, seeing the pain of defeat and the deep humiliation of public failure. We confess our tendency to judge others based on their professional downfalls or perceived disgraces, forgetting their inherent worth and dignity. We ask for a heart of profound compassion towards those who have suffered public scrutiny and job loss, remembering that their human dignity endures beyond titles or successes. We yield our judgments and perceptions to Your righteous and merciful perspective. Amen.

Verse 9:
Glorious God, Your name cannot be diminished by human acts of desecration or public spectacle. We repent for our own complicity in the spread of shame and the public shaming of others, forgetting their intrinsic value and their need for grace. We ask for Your protection from the pain of public humiliation, and for a spirit to uplift and restore those who have fallen, rather than tear them down. Guide us to be voices of comfort and encouragement. We yield our reputations and our sense of worth to Your affirming love, which sees beyond worldly judgment. Amen.

Verse 10:
Mighty God, we praise Your ultimate triumph over all false idols and temporary displays of human power. We confess for allowing worldly measures of success or failure to define our worth, rather than Your unchanging love and our intrinsic value. We ask for strength to remember our dignity and identity in You, even when our perceived failures are publicly displayed or mocked. Grant us grace to persevere with resilience and hope. We yield our lives and identities to Your eternal truth, which declares us worthy regardless of external circumstances. Amen.

Verse 11:
Inspiring God, we adore Your divine nature that stirs acts of courageous solidarity and unwavering loyalty in the face of widespread fear and defeat. We repent for our own fearfulness and reluctance to act when others are suffering, especially those who have experienced public downfall and feel utterly stripped bare. We ask for a heart sensitive to the cries of others, and for the courage to extend comfort and support, like the men of Jabesh-Gilead. We yield our lives to be instruments of Your compassion and quiet heroism in a world that so desperately needs it. Amen.

Verse 12:
Righteous Lord, we praise Your incredible spirit that empowers ordinary people to perform extraordinary acts of honor and respect. We confess the times we shrink from challenging situations or fail to acknowledge the past contributions of those who have fallen from grace. We ask for the courage to stand with those who are publicly shamed or suffering, to retrieve their dignity, and to offer them a pathway to rebuild their sense of self and worth. We yield our strength and resources to acts of selfless service and honor, inspired by Your boundless love. Amen.

Verse 13:
Compassionate God, we praise Your profound wisdom that understands the vital need for grieving and rituals of remembrance after deep loss. We repent for our impatience with the grieving process, or our tendency to minimize the pain of others who are experiencing significant sorrow. We ask for Your comforting presence for all who mourn the loss of loved ones, health, or a way of life, and for the grace to allow ourselves and our communities to grieve fully, finding healing and restoration in collective remembrance. We yield our sorrow and our need for healing into Your merciful embrace, trusting in Your process of renewal. Amen.