I took my Christmas decorations down yesterday. I packed up the ornaments and garlands. I wiped away the Christmas hymn written on the chalkboard hanging over my mantle.
And after I swept the pine needles and glitter from the floor, my home looked bare.
I stared at the chalkboard wondering what to write next. It was a blank slate.
The new year is a time when many feel they’ve been given a fresh start. New resolutions are made. New leaves are turned over.
And indeed, for those of us in Christ, we have been given a clean slate. Like the blank canvas of fresh snow, our sins are hidden in him who became sin for us.
In Christ, our Creator has wiped away the haunting messages and damaging words of our past. In Christ, we have been given a clean start.
However, the beauty of this reality rings true each and every morning – not just when we ring in a new year.
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.” Lam. 3:22-23
The breaking of resolutions and promises is inevitable, but in His lavish love, God extends mercy to us at the dawn of each morning. God does not falter in his promises. He never fails to be faithful to his resolve to show us his grace. And he proves this to us each and every day.
While I haven’t made any New Year resolutions, I have set a few goals for 2013. Practically speaking, I have no doubt that I will fail to meet them perfectly. But I am just as confident that Christ will complete those good works in me just as surely as he upholds his promises to wash me in his mercy (Phil. 1:6).
I hope you’ll join me this year celebrating our clean slate in Christ and setting new goals for our walk with Christ in 2013!
Every morning this week, I’ll be building a better foundation for growing in Christ’s mercy:
- Wednesday, I’ll be looking at 3 ways to build a better library in 2013.
- Thursday, I’ll offer 3 ways to build a better quiet time in 2013.
- Friday, I’ll give you 3 ways to build better character in your kids in 2013.
Be sure to join me by subscribing to Hive Resources! Let’s hold each other accountable to our goals this year – meet me over at Twitter!
What goals do you have for 2013?
Happy New Year!
Can’t wait to read what hives have in store.