Fresh Starts
Read
Lamentations 3:22-23 “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.”
Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Think
Have you ever embraced those early morning hours—whether for a New Year’s resolution workout, a quiet cup of coffee, or simply savoring the stillness before the chaos begins? Those moments feel like a clean slate, full of promise and peace. But how quickly the day takes over—emails pile up, responsibilities press in, and time with Jesus, the one thing that truly matters, slips away.
We chase productivity, believing the next goal or achievement will make us feel fulfilled. But as Oswald Chambers said, “The busyness of things obscures our concentration on God.” It’s not just the busyness, it’s forgetting the One who offers the very peace and renewal we so desperately need. Jesus doesn’t want to be a box we check off in the morning; he wants to meet us in the middle of our mess, speaking life into our weariness and purpose into our plans.
But everything feels different when you’ve spent time with him. The burdens don’t disappear, but they feel lighter. The to-do list doesn’t shrink, but suddenly there’s grace for each step. When we spend time with Jesus—reading his Word, praying, or simply pausing to talk with him—we open the door for his presence to transform us. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small. Wake up 10 minutes earlier and read a Psalm. Whisper a prayer as you commute or thank him for simple joys as you go about your day. Set aside moments to simply be with him because it’s in his presence where your soul is restored.
Fresh starts don’t come from resolutions or striving harder; they come from returning to Jesus again and again. He’s not waiting for you to have it all together. He’s simply inviting you to come—because time spent with him changes everything. Will you say “yes” today?
Apply
Invite God into the everyday. Whether you’re working, parenting, or running errands, intentionally ask Jesus to guide and be present in your ordinary moments.
Pray
God, thank you for inviting me to come to you just as I am. In the middle of my busyness and distractions, help me to pause and spend time with you. Refresh my heart, restore my soul, and remind me that your presence is what I need most. Draw me closer to you each day and use me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.