NEW BEGINNINGS

New beginnings are a wonderful blessing from God. They are full of promise, free of problems and filled with potential. Each day is a new opportunity to close the door on the past and experience a brand-new start. Even the fact that days are divided into twenty-four-hour segments is evidence that we need to start over on a regular basis. There is always a new day, a new month and a new year. But in order for us to make good use of these new beginnings, we must make a decision to do so. What better time to decide than the first month of the New Year. Maybe you've been struggling with depression, anger or bitterness. Or possibly you're like I was - you've been burned by past relationships and circumstances, and you're still carrying around the ashes. These are the deep hurts from old wounds that have never been healed. For years I believed for the abundant life that God promised me, but I wasn't willing to give up the ashes of my past in exchange for it. My ashes consisted of things like hatred, bitterness and unforgiveness toward people who hurt me, as well as a negative attitude, complaining and self-pity. What's in your pile of ashes? Are you battling with guilt and condemnation? Do you feel bad about something you did years ago or something that happened yesterday? No matter how much time has gone by, the past is still the past. What is done is done, and only God can take care of it now. Your part is to admit your mistake, repent, receive God's forgiveness, and go on. In Lamentations 3:22,23 the prophet Jeremiah encourages us with the news that God's mercy is new every morning. I'm so glad that God sends a new batch of mercy daily - we can decide to have a new beginning every day! Isaiah 30:18 says, And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you... Why not let this be the year when you decide to climb out from the pain and problems of your past, and press on to the bright future God has planned for you? Welcome this New Year with a decision to release your faith for God's gift of a new beginning, and focus on His good plans for your future. Get excited about the fresh start God has for you! Happy New Beginnings! www.joycemeyer.org.za