The Joy of Starting Over

 

The Joy of Starting Over

Scripture Readings (NLT)

Lamentations 3:22-24

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!'"

Luke 15:7

"In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!"

The Joy of Starting Over

Every sunrise brings a clean slate. No matter how difficult yesterday may have been, God offers a new beginning today. His mercy is not limited by our failures, our fears, or our regrets. It is renewed every morning, as certain as the rising sun.

Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentations during one of the darkest periods in Israel's history. Jerusalem had been destroyed, the people were suffering, and hope seemed distant. Yet in the middle of devastation, Jeremiah remembered something greater than his circumstances: the unchanging character of God.

We have discussed the Hebrew word used for God's "faithful love" is Chesed (חֶסֶד). It describes God's covenant love—a loyal, steadfast, and undeserved love that does not depend on our performance. It is a love rooted in God's promises rather than our perfection. Because although we are God’s perfect creation our free will causes a lot of problems. But only if we do mot align our lives with God’s will and purpose for us. Each and everyone of us are part of Gods plan. We all have a purpose and people that God will put in our lives for a reason.

Like Pastor Joyce being our Spiritual Mom, she is now called to provide motherly love and expectations for a new congregation.

Now we ready ourselves for the next step God has planned for us with Pastor Craig! Amen!

Jeremiah also speaks of God's mercy, a concept closely connected to the Hebrew word Racham (רַחַם). This word carries the picture of deep compassion and tender care. It comes from the same root word as "womb," illustrating a nurturing, protective, and life-giving love. God does not look upon His children with indifference. He sees us with compassion and a desire to restore us.

Because of His Chesed and Racham, every morning becomes an opportunity to begin again.

Jesus expands this truth in Luke 15:7. Speaking to religious leaders who criticized Him for welcoming sinners, He revealed the Father's heart toward those who return to Him.

The Greek word translated as "repent" is Metanoeó (μετανοέω). It means far more than feeling sorry for wrongdoing. It means a change of mind, a change of heart, and ultimately a change of direction. Repentance is a spiritual U-turn that turns us away from sin and back toward God.

And when that happens, Jesus says heaven rejoices.

The Greek word for joy is Chara (χαρά). This is not a temporary happiness based on circumstances. It is deep, spiritual joy that erupts when something precious has been restored. Heaven celebrates because a lost child has come home.

That truth should change the way we view confession and repentance. Too often we avoid God because we are embarrassed by our failures. We hide our fears, frustrations, doubts, and sins as though God does not already know them.

Over the years of writing these devotions, I have shared many parts of my life, but like most people, there are things I keep between myself and God. I find some of my own sins embarrassing. Yet I have learned that there is nothing I can bring to God that surprises Him.

I have shared my fears, hurts, frustrations, and questions with Him. There have been times when I could not understand why certain things happened or what purpose could possibly come from painful seasons. But if God can speak an entire universe into existence, surely He can handle my questions and understand my thoughts.

The Lord already knows when we are hurting, confused, angry, afraid, or discouraged. He knows every detail of our lives. He knows the number of hairs on our heads. Because He already knows, we do not need to hide.

Instead, we can bring everything to Him.

Nothing is too big for God's power and nothing is too small for His attention. He invites us to cast our burdens upon Him because He loves us. He does not call us to carry our struggles alone.

Today, release yesterday's failures. Let go of the guilt, regret, and anxiety you have been carrying. Trust in God's unfailing love. Receive His fresh mercy. Make whatever spiritual U-turn is needed and run back to your Father.

You will not find condemnation waiting for you.

You will find open arms, abundant mercy, and a celebration in heaven because you have come home. Thank you, Jesus!

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your faithful love that never ends and for mercies that are new every morning. Thank You that Your compassion is greater than my failures and Your grace is stronger than my weakness.

Lord, help me release the burdens of yesterday. Forgive me for the times I have wandered from Your will and tried to carry my struggles on my own. Give me the courage to repent, to change direction, and to walk closely with You.

When I am afraid, remind me of Your presence. When I am confused, guide me with Your wisdom. When I am burdened by guilt, remind me of Your forgiveness. Help me trust that You welcome me with open arms and rejoice when I return to You.

Thank You for loving me with an everlasting love and for never giving up on me.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.

Amen.

BELIEVE. OBEY. BE BLESSED. AMEN.

BOBBA ❤️ 

Love, Penny 💛