Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
1 Corinthians 5:7
Father God, thank You for bringing me into a new year! As I have heard others say, this is the first day of the rest of my life. It is a time for celebration (Psalm 118:24), but also a time for reflection (Joshua 24:15).
As I look to what this new year will bring, I am compelled to do some “cleaning.” I know that I have carried with me things that I need to cast aside in order that I might run this race more effectively (Hebrews 12:1). And I am committed to doing so because I value my relationship with You and the sacrifice that my Savior made for my life more than anything in this world.
Therefore, over course of this year, I ask that You would show me what I must do to grow in my relationship with You. Help me to do the hard work of purging that which does not please You, which means examining every aspect of my life, including my thoughts, motivations, and actions. Help me to challenge my old way of thinking about things, enabling me to be open to new ways of experiencing Your love and growing in Your grace. I want to serve more faithfully, love more deeply, and give more selflessly. I want to be like Jesus!
Father God, don’t allow me to be satisfied with the status quo. Instead, continue to open my eyes to the power of what it means to be found in Christ. Let this year be a year of breakthrough for me, my light shining in the darkness of this world, pointing others to the Source that they too might be saved. Thank You for giving me another chance to get this thing right! Be glorified in Jesus’ Name! Amen!