It is the beginning of a new year. A time when most of us are ready for a new and fresh start. We can wipe the slate clean and focus on the new goals we set for ourselves.

When I think of a new beginning, I think of Genesis. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

God created everything that exists. He created us in His image! He designed each and every one of us to fulfill a purpose and bring Him the glory through it. We should reflect His character of love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, and faithfulness.

So as we begin this new year, I think we should look back at this time last year and ask ourselves, ”Am I closer to achieving these characteristics than I was this time last year?” Have I grown more in the faith and closer to God?” I think each of us needs to reflect on our answer, whether it is yes or no.

If you can answer yes, that you have grown closer to God and you are living a life that reflects these characteristics, that is wonderful. But, we will never be able to achieve perfection like Jesus. There is always something we can work on or an area we need to grow. I think we should pray and ask God to reveal to us what we may be lacking.

If you answered no, that’s okay. The first step is admitting that you need to seek God more. The awesome thing is His grace for you in this moment. He knows we are going to fail Him. He knows the distractions and temptations that get in our way. In this instance we should also pray and ask God to guide us and give us strength to rise above the distractions and temptations of this life so that we can fulfill His sovereign plan for our lives.

Sin separates us from God, but He made a way for us to enter the throne room of God through Jesus. We can go with confidence knowing that He has mercy and grace for us, no matter how many times we need it, which is daily for me!

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

My prayer is for each and everyone of us to experience God in a way we never have in this new year! He is faithful and He will show Himself more and more as we seek Him.

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth,to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. “ 2 Chronicles 16:9