“As we wake up tomorrow for a new day and a new year, I am reminded that the mercies of God are new EVERY morning. Do you need a fresh start?” Kathy Spampinato

Each day we get the opportunity to start again. The dawn brings a fresh day and the opportunity for a fresh start. We have the free will to make choices for our lives, our behavior, and even our thoughts. We are not locked into the patterns of the past. We can choose a new mindset, or a new direction. We have the power and authority to decide what we want for our own lives, and move in that direction.

 As we enter into a new year, we often decide to make changes in our situation or our character. These New Year’s resolutions are usually determined to bring us greater success, better relationships, and more joy. We can choose to move away from our bad habits, or our self-absorption. Our determination and willpower will propel us into a new beginning with hope for a bright future. However, we will likely fall short of our goal, as willpower tends to diminish with opposition and determination dwindles with discouragement. We are limited by our own strength and ability, but we are not alone. God is on our side. He is there to strengthen us. If we submit our good intentions and resolutions to His will and His direction, we will be empowered. We still won’t do things perfectly because of our humanity, but we will be fortified by His strength. He bids us to come to Him with our needs and our burdens.

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

Matthew 11: 28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

As we come to the Lord seeking wisdom, direction, and strength for this new year, let’s remember that God is there, with hope and strength for the journey. He loves us, and has redeemed us. We have joy and hope in Him, for a bright future full of love and fulfillment. He is our source. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;”

Romans 5:5 “and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!