Time to Renew

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

 Are there times in the past year that you wanted a do-over? 

Maybe you said something at the wrong time or in the wrong way. 

There was a decision you wish you could take back or do differently. 

What about a relationship that went wrong, work that didn’t pan out, or a spiritual walk that seemed inconsistent at times? 

The good news at the start of 2025 is that God gives you a restart. 

The word, renew, means to start over and begin again. Even if you feel like the consequences of the past can linger and a New Year’s resolution is inadequate, God offers you a clean slate. 

Your restart begins in the heart. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” The psalmist first asks to be forgiven. 

No matter what happened in the past, inner renewal is available to you right now.

The second ask is for God to give a “right spirit”. In the original language, this phrase means to establish or make something firm and stable. No matter how unreliable you may feel at times, it is God who makes you firm and steadfast. 

You can begin your New Year by asking God to give your spirit a strong foundation. Once your spirit is founded firmly, all that is built through the coming year will be strong too. You can trust that this renewal and strengthening is certain because it comes from Him.

Take a moment to ask God to renew you and give you a strong spirit. You can trust that He will help you through any consequences of the past. Even if the situation cannot be restarted, you can face its consequences with a new perspective and attitude.

Then you can begin 2025 on a new, strong foundation for all the good things He has in store.

Prayer: Father, Thank You for the restart You offer me in Jesus. I pray now for Your renewal. I confess my sins to You and ask You to forgive me. Create in me a clean heart and conscience before You. Give me a strong and steadfast spirit so that I am aligned with You in every area of my life. I commit 2025 to You and trust You with all my heart–make my paths straight. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.