THE JANUARY OF NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS runs into the brick wall of February’s brutal realities. The excitement of beginning something new—a new year, a new week, a new job, a new relationship—loses its charm for many people when they think of past failures. They have so cocooned themselves within the wrappings of past defeats that they no longer even dream of things being different. It is time to break free from the slavery of defeat. You are not pre-programed to fail. You are not meant to be a loser. You must set your sights on a fresh start.
The Scripture’s cup runs over with second chance people—Adam, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Naomi, David and many more. The defector, Simon Peter, stands out as the classic example of starting over. He ran out on Jesus, denied that he ever knew Him, cursed when accused of complicity, but finally met up with Jesus in an awkward, face-to-face encounter. Jesus did not berate him. Instead, the Master only asked if the big, crude fisherman still loved Him. Peter then became the chief spokesman for the church on its inauguration day. So, what about you? What would it take for you to begin again? Psalm 51 serves as a sure blueprint for moving forward.
Enter a plea for mercy. This is one time when you don’t need justice. You need mercy. “Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1.
Receive forgiveness from God. He has given it. It’s up to you to receive it. “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.” Psalm 51:2.
Acknowledge your sin. Forget playing the games of plausible deniability, rationalization or humorous distraction. Don’t deny it. God knows! “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight—that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge.” Psalm 51:3-4.
Recognize your need. False pride sabotages faith. You have nothing to be proud of. “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5.
Change your mind. Identify and denounce fallacious ideas and mindsets. “Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:6-7.
Change your environment. Vacate the old neighborhood of bad influences and toxic relationships. Escape into the pristine setting of God’s Word where faith rules. “Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.” Psalm 51:8.
Let God change your heart. In the end, nothing happens by fleshly efforts and self-will alone. You need a heavenly invasion of supernatural power. Stop trying to start fresh on your own. Appeal to God for your ultimate help. “Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:9-10.