New Beginnings

“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 NIV)

All across the country in the coming weeks, a new school year starts on our nation’s campuses.  It is a time for new beginnings.  Freshmen will be living away from home for the first time.  Sophomores will be returning to campus no longer newbies to college life.  And upperclassmen will begin the new school year with the recognition they will sooner than later be entering a world where they go to work instead of going to class.  

With all new beginnings come opportunities—opportunities to change. People often allow their circumstances to define them, so when circumstances change, opportunities follow.  The college freshman that could never seem to find his niche in high school has the opportunity to make new friends and discover the broader world that exists beyond the limited confines of his hometown.  The sophomore can put aside that inglorious freshman year and begin anew.  The upperclassman can decide to start living more like an adult than a kid, less dependent on Mom and Dad, and taking on more adult responsibilities.  

But new beginnings are not limited to college students or to school years. For those embracing the mercies of the Lord, new beginnings are possible every day.  As dawn commences, so do new opportunities.  If yesterday was a bad day, there is new hope for today.  If you really screwed up last night, this morning begins a new day with His mercy present and an opportunity for a fresh start.  

As imperfect beings, we fail multiple times each day, whether in thought or action.  The build-up of these failures over days, weeks, and years can be crushing.  But the Lord offers us a way through—by daily accepting His compassion and mercy for us.  They are new every day, waiting for us to take hold of them and, thus, getting a fresh start.  

Today, know regardless of what you have done, whether yesterday, last week, or last year, the Lord’s mercies are new for you this morning. Today is a new beginning for you.  All you have to do is accept His forgiveness and seize the opportunity He gives you to start anew.  

© Jim Musser 2013