Today’s blog is scripture heavy. Why? Because even as I begin this year with God’s encouragement that this year will start fresh, with hope of new and exciting adventures, I’ve already visited my feelings of failure over last year’s shortcomings. Or for that matter my whole life’s shortcomings.

Maybe you’re like me, hopeful for change but unable to look past your history. It’s truth that sets us free, so let’s dive in.

Truth #1: because of God’s love for us his mercy never falters.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.‬‬

Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭ESV

Let that sink in for a moment. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Receive the love and mercy that God is pouring into you – fresh every morning.

Truth #2: the devil is going to look for any opening we give him.

Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour.

1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Stay aware. Remember our enemy only has power in the places we haven’t given over to God’s power.

Truth #3: we are not red, we are white.

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.”

Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT

When we accept Jesus into our lives, we are made clean. This leads us to:

Truth #4: we are not condemned.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT

The devil is known as the accuser of the brethren (Revelations 12:10). It’s in his nature to cause us to feel condemnation. The truth is our best defense against his lies, a great incentive to consistently read our Bible.

This last verse is one of my supporting scriptures for the year.

Do not remember the former things, Or ponder the things of the past. Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.

Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭AMP‬‬

God doesn’t want us spending all our time crying over spilt milk, he wants our eyes on him, looking for what he’s doing.

I encourage you, (and me,) to let go of the shoulda, woulda, couldas from last year. Let’s start fresh, not setting expectations on our abilities, but firmly placing our hope and trust in God.

May God richly bless you throughout 2023!

Grace & Peace,

Sandy