Fresh Start

Everybody gets all excited about the start of a new year. There’s so much hype, fanfare and enthusiasm. For most people, it’s a time for resolutions, but unfortunately many resolutions don’t last. Statistics say 45% of Americans make resolutions but only 8% of them actually keep those resolutions.

You determine that this is the year you will lose those unwanted pounds. So, you justify the price of a membership at a fitness center and begin working out every day. But the workouts soon diminish to three times a week and then only weekly before you finally give up and wonder why you spent all that money. It has been said that 67% of those who have gym memberships never use them.

You begin the new year with a plan to read through the entire Bible. The Book of Genesis is exciting and full of familiar stories, but you begin to bog down with all of the commands and instructions in Exodus, and you finally give up before you get to Leviticus. We’ve all been there. Done that.

Honestly, there is nothing magical about a new year. What if you faced each month with the same excitement? Or each week? Or each day?  Maybe that’s what God had in mind when he said,

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

You can begin every day with a new resolve. Confess your sins and have a clean slate today.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

There is no need to wait for the new year to make changes in your life. If today didn’t turn out the way you anticipated, God’s love and mercy are available for a fresh start tomorrow.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Be grateful for all the good things in your life. Write them down somewhere so that you don’t forget. Thank God for all that you have. Be specific. We have many reasons to be thankful.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Begin each day with prayer. Let God speak from the Bible. Apply His Word to your life. Have the right attitude. Use your time wisely. Remember that you have fewer days this year than you did last year.

Make the best use of your time here on earth, recognize and take advantage of every opportunity and use it with wisdom and diligence. Ephesians 5:16