Psalm 51:2-3 – Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. (KJV)

Traditionally, January 1st has been a time of new beginning for us. We look back at the old year, and we look forward down a road yet untravelled.

There is a piece of slate in my possession that my grandfather used to write on in his school days. When he wanted to write a new word or work a new arithmetic problem, he simply took a moist cloth and wiped it clean — as opposed to my grandchildren, who write one word on a sheet of paper, decide that they have made a mistake, wad up the paper, and throw it into the wastebasket.

As I remember my grandfather's slate and his new beginning (wiping the slate), and my grandchildren's new beginning (throwing the sheet into the waste basket and getting a new one), I am aware that God gives us a chance to begin a new year without sin or error. He wants to help us to keep it clean.

Today's Scripture reminds us that the only one who can cleanse us and forgive us for our sins is God. We can't do it by ourselves. Let's remember to turn to God so that we can start the year with a "clean slate", and continue to keep it that way during the coming days and months by confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to choose to invite You to walk with us in this new year! Help us to praise You for every blessing, and never to take a single one for granted. Help us to confess our sins regularly this year so that we can have "a clean slate". Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Virgil Lee <virgilsuelee@gmail.com>
Thomasville, Georgia, USA
Send your feedback to the author