It seems as if everywhere I look, I see or hear those around me talking about their New Year’s Resolutions: when talking to me on the phone, posting on Facebook, in articles, in passing conversation.
And I think it’s a good, natural and healthy thing to do. It’s how I feel about new journals: there is so much possibility, potential, opportunity. It is, as yet, untainted by my mistakes and errors, my chaos and emotions.
It’s new. And new is such a wonderful, beautiful, clean thing.
And while it is good to reflect and consider how we can improve, how we can become better – not better versions of ourselves necessarily but rather better imitators of Christ…
We sometimes forget that we are given that opportunity, that newness, every day. God still cleanses us. He still forgives us. He still removes our sin as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He still walks with us and guides us. He still loves us!
So, when you mess up (or fall short or in whatever way it is that you don’t achieve your new year’s resolution),
Don’t give up.
Remember, that each new day (even each new moment) is an opportunity, filled with the potential for good, with the possibility of improvement, with God’s promise of forgiveness, strength, and hope.
Look up. And, then take the next step.
This Christian walk is not a sprint or a onetime resolution or commitment.
It is the race, quite literally, of a lifetime.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
~ Hebrews 12:1-3
Photo Credit: Arek Socha via Pixabay
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