A Fresh Start

contributed by:

Staci Overbeck

Ministry Assistant to Adult Life

What is it about New Year's Day that makes it different from any other day of the year? Nothing. Yet, every year on December 31st millions of people make a list of resolutions that they hope to fulfill starting on January 1st. I am typically one of them. There is something about a clean slate that ignites the dream of what could be. Unfortunately, as soon as we fail in our resolve, things tend to return to status quo until next December 31st when the process begins again.

This past weekend, Pastor Dave shared from the life of David. We know from previous weeks that David experienced a new beginning in the sense that the once shepherd boy was chosen by God to  become king. Talk about a fresh start with the potential for a happily ever after! Yet, this weekend we saw that even kings make bad choices and need a clean slate every now and then.

We saw how one bad decision led to another and soon David was caught in a web of transgressions and sin. We learned of Nathan's confrontation with David, and David's realization of the depth of his sin. We also learned of David's transformation as he confessed his sin and turned his heart back toward God.  

The best part is that God's gift of a clean heart is available to everyone who is willing to walk the pathway of repentance, and it is available every hour of every day. We don't need to wait until tomorrow, or next month or next year. Divine forgiveness is ours the moment we repent of our sin and ask for it.

Let's make 2012 a year full of new beginnings as we learn to live lives of repentance before God. We all fall short, but God promises that, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) That's God's resolution, and He never fails.

Some things to think about:

• Do you make resolutions for the new year? Why or why not?
• If you could make one resolution that you knew would not fail, what would it be?
• Is repentance a regular part of your worship/devotional time with God?
• Take a few minutes to quiet your heart before God. Ask Him to show you areas of your life where repentance may be an issue.
• Are you willing to make 2012 a year of repentance in your life?