A Prayer for a Fresh Start
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” - Lamentations 3:22-23
Listen or Read Below:
There are many days I want to throw in the towel and give up for the day. Whether we do this for a work assignment, a difficult conversation with a friend, or repairing a damaged relationship with our spouse, sometimes waiting for a fresh start can actually help us. Trying to do too much at one time will lead us to burn out.
For one, if we are facing a difficult assignment at work, taking time away from the computer and getting a good night’s sleep can help us to be refreshed in the morning. Sadly, most of us power through to get the assignment finished. This, in turn, leads us to not submit our best work. Rather than trying to power through, we need to prioritize rest and choose to start fresh in the morning.
Secondly, if we are avoiding a difficult conversation with our friend, we also don’t need to try to just “push through.” Words said in the heat of the moment could cause hurt feelings and tears. Chances are, you are already tired from a long day. Due to being tired, you are going to be more likely to say something that you will regret later. When we try to have a conversation when we are tired or frustrated, it will most likely end up in an argument.
In the same way, if we are trying to repair a damaged relationship with our spouse, we don’t need to try to cruise through difficult conversations when we are drained, tired, or grumpy. Everyone thinks more clearly after resting. If we try to go ahead and start repairing the relationship when we are not in our best frame of mind, we could cause more wounds. This is why it is important that we take advantage of the fresh start that is given to us each day. Every morning, God gives us a new day with a clean slate. A rested mind and heart will help you say what you need to say, work through any issue, and present your best work.
The Bible tells us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). God’s compassion never fails us, as it is new every morning. His love surrounds us, and we are blessed with a new day. The events of yesterday can be moved past, and we can face the new day with a heart of hope. Remind yourself of God’s love and compassion when you need a new start. Tomorrow morning is a day to start afresh. There is no need to be afraid or worried about what might happen because God is with you. When the days feel too dark or the nights too long, remember light is coming in the morning. And this light is God. May we all rest in the majesty of His faithfulness.
Let’s Pray:
Dear God, I come to You today, asking for a fresh start. I praise You that each morning is a blessing. I can start new because of You and Your compassion. Help me to make the most of every day and to make the right decisions. Prevent me from making any decisions or starting any in-depth conversations while I’m tired or overwhelmed. Thank You, God, for Your love, goodness, and faithfulness. In Your Son’s Name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.
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Related Resource: Let God Reframe Your Year: A Psalm 107 Year-End Reflection
As we wrap up our year together, I want to invite you into this meaningful spiritual practice: looking back on the year through the lens of Psalm 107 to identify the “fingerprints of God’s faithfulness. In this episode, we'll walk through four redemptive storylines found in Psalm 107—each representing a way God rescues, restores, and reorients His people. Whether you felt lost, trapped, wounded, self-destructive, or overwhelmed by storms, I encourage you to reflect on how God met you in weakness and brought deliverance. This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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