David Swift

Proverbs 28:13, 25
13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
25… those who trust in the LORD will prosper.

Reflection:
We all love to find a way to hit reset in our lives. Whether it’s a new job, new relationships, or just the beginning of a new year…getting a fresh start feels good! These opportunities might allow us a clean slate to erase past mistakes, but old habits can often return bringing along the baggage we sought to leave behind.

The truth found in Proverbs 28 relates directly to us wanting to find change in our own lives. All change requires more than just changing our venue in life; it requires a deep dive into those areas which might necessitate the change. Part of that reflection requires us to be brutally honest with ourselves on the facts of why things occur as they do. What behaviors led to this outcome? Where could we have made a different choice?

While a new year might bring an annual check-in reminder on personal goals, relationships need more attention than that. Our relationship with God allows us the ability to seek a clean slate on a much more regular basis. The weight of sin bears down on our lives causing a rift in our ability to connect with one another and more importantly with our Creator.

In order for us to close that gap, we need to seek forgiveness by being open and honest about those things that weigh us down and the choices we have made. When seeking forgiveness through prayer, it feels as though a container is broken open, spilling the contents that have been bottled up and hidden from the world. Only during those honest moments does true mercy reveal itself. The Lord’s mercy enables us to move forward, leaving the burden of our sin with God and thus providing us the true freedom to start anew. 

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we seek your mercy as we repent of our sins and look to a new beginning. Allow us to break open our hearts and to share the darkness that lies within the light that emanates from you. Help us to find the path that leads us to a continued renewal of our spirit and relationship with you.