A fresh start

There is a peace that comes when we start fresh, especially after a particularly busy or challenging time in life.

The problem is that we often just keep trudging through, even doing some of the same things and feeding the same habits that got us into our stress in the first place. We forget the wise words of the old farmer who told his young farmhand, “If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing you want to do is to stop digging.”

The redemptive message of faith is that not only can we stop digging ourselves deeper, but we can actually be rescued from whatever hole we’re in and be restored. In Psalm 51, David cries out: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me” (Psalm 51:12). This is after David has gotten himself into big trouble with God and with people whom David has betrayed.

When we reach the end of our wisdom, the Book of James reminds us that we can ask for God’s: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). This wisdom from God is often filtered to us in various ways and even through a variety of people, but God promises its availability.

If you do find yourself needing a fresh start, you’re not alone. The Bible says that in some way, all creation longs for God to set it free from its bondage (see Romans 8:19-21). In other words, we’re all in need of a fresh start at one time or another.

So as 2025 begins, why not allow God to lead us into a fresh start, a new beginning? That doesn’t mean we have to start everything in our lives from scratch. However, it can mean that we can use the new year as a good reason for us to hit the pause button in areas of our lives where we are in over our heads. We can ask God for new wisdom, new guidance and a fresh start. That start could lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life in the new year.