A Fresh Start

Well, 2021 came and went!  Another year is in the books.  I can’t believe it’s already 2022!  With a new year comes those “new goals” we call resolutions.  How many of you make New Year’s resolutions every year?  Most of us do.  You might make ones like:  eating healthier, exercising more, reading more, etc.  I always find it funny that every January I see new people at the gym, only to see them disappear by February.  Now these resolutions may have started with a sincere heart and intention, but as the year progresses, we tend to revert back to our old habits and get caught up in the craziness we call “life.”  I always tell my sixth grade students that bad habits are hard to break and that they need to start good habits now so they become second nature as they grow older. 

Anybody that’s grown up and living in the real world would agree that old and bad habits are certainly difficult to break.  That’s not just true for our physical and emotional life, but our spiritual one too.  I can’t tell you how many times over the years I said I was going to study the Bible more, pray more, and serve more.  Sometimes I did and sometimes I didn’t.  Life happens.  Ever been there?  Of course we know that’s no excuse.  

One of the many many many amazing things about our God, however, is that He meets us where we are.  Our walk may not be where it should be and He may seem miles and miles away, but the truth is He’s right there next to us just waiting for us to reach out to Him.  Consider the words of David:

Psalms 37:23-24 NLT
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.

There may not be a better example of getting back on track then King David.  Adultery, deceit, and murder were just some of his major failures, but yet God says that he is a man after His own heart.  Despite those heinous sins, God never left him.  David simply cried out to God.  He faced many obstacles that required him to place his faith in God because the situation at hand looked bleak.  How comforting to know that our God is always with us:  

Joshua 1:9 NKJV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

There’s no time like right now to get back on track with Him.  Haven’t read your Bible in awhile?  Well start today.  Haven’t prayed in some time?  Do it today.  Haven’t served in a long time?  Do it today.  Struggling in your walk?  Start walking today.  How awesome is it that it’s never too late!? Don’t let past failed promises keep you down.  Get back on track today!  As you begin the journey of 2022, walk in that peace, joy, and comfort knowing that Jesus is by your side through it all.  He’ll bring you to places you never thought you could go.  It’s time for a fresh start!

Wayne Errig