Fresh Start

Here we are, more than two full weeks into the new year, and I'm only just now writing my first Gathered Chick blog post. Yes, I know—these devotional posts are supposed to be published weekly. At least, that was the commitment I made when I started this blog.

But, lately I've been distracted by all the extra time I've spent evaluating my activities. You see, I recently not only turned the page on a new year, but I also began a new decade in my life. I'm now a card-carrying member of the 40-is-sporty club. [sigh]

Someone recently shared that since the average age of death for women in America is 80, then I'm half way through my life. That startling statistic hasn't given me enough pause to stop eating ice cream, but it has made me take a close look at my life, what I think is important, and what I want to do with the second half of my life.

This time of evaluation could be rather depressing, and some days it has been. But, just like the five stages of grief, at some point you have to learn to accept what is and move on. And once I learned to accept 40 (trust me, it wasn't quite this dramatic—although my husband may beg to differ...) I realized this is a fresh start for me—hope springs anew.

In reality, I didn't need another birthday to give me a fresh start. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds me that God's mercies are new every morning; great is His faithfulness. This means God is ready to grant me a do over every day, even multiple times a day (1 John 1:9).

How is 2009 going so far for you? Do you feel like you need a fresh start already? Our loving, living God is waiting to give it to you. Whether you need to start fresh with Him for the first time or the 4 millionth time, His faithfulness is great. All we have to do is ask for it.

Lord,
Thank You that Your faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 89:2). You are perfectly reliable and aren't swayed by opinion. I'm so glad You offer us fresh starts whether we need them daily, hourly or moment by moment. Thank You for your great mercy and love. Please help us accomplish what You have given us to do in this season of our lives. If we need to reach out to You for the first time, enable us to do so. If it's been a while since we had a meaningful talk with You, help us make that happen. Let 2009 be a year full of meaningful pursuits—with You and for You.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

A Gathered Chick is someone who has turned to God in repentance and placed their faith in Christ (Acts 20:21). Click here for a short video on what that means, and how your fresh start can begin today.