Truth to tell, I’ve never made a New Year’s resolution—a good thing too, because I suspect I’d never make it through the first month. What I do believe in is giving myself a new start. Something you can do again and again, as you seek new goals and grow in faith. Like this.
Opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. (Matthew 2:11–12)
Not for nothing do we call the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child by a special name: the Epiphany. It was a profound revelation for them, a new start. Afterward they returned to their country by a new route. I think that says a lot. After any epiphany, you can’t go back to doing things the same old way.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
There’s no reason we can’t grow in amazing ways, but it all begins at the source. The success of any new project I’ve ever tackled has depended on my waiting for the Lord—seeking that inner strength first. That helps me get the rest of my priorities straight.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
The Psalms were written thousands of years ago, but their verses can speak to our most contemporary needs. When I’m feeling overwhelmed by a to-do list that seems as if it will never get done, I hold fast to this verse. A reminder that every day is a new beginning.
For more inspiring stories, subscribe to Guideposts magazine.
