Each one of us has walked through seasons in our lives where we have prayed for the Lord to give us a fresh start, a new beginning. Other times we find ourselves facing a major life change we would rather have done without like the loss of a relationship or the death of a loved one. A fresh start can imply dramatic change like a new job or a cross-country move; at other times we are simply facing the daunting prospect of a new day.

Last year, our family asked the Lord for "exodus" to be our theme. We wanted to see the Lord move in our lives and give us a new beginning. We knew the idea of exodus meant a new journey, but we also knew the risk that the Lord would ask us to wander. Here we are in the twilight of this year of exodus and we have found ourselves starting over in a new city, starting new areas of work and a new way of life for our entire family. The dramatic changes often impact the smaller ones and just facing a new day can be filled with uncertainty - a time of wandering.

Throughout Scripture, God talks to us about how to approach those seasons of starting over, beginning a new day or the journey of a new life in Christ Jesus. When we find ourselves starting over, God can be trusted. He is the God of the new beginning.

For a New Day

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. Lamentations 3:22-23

The Lord within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail; yet the unrighteous know no shame. Zephaniah 3:5

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26

... and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26 

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:11-14

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

For a Fresh Start

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19

The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalm 138:8

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

"See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you." Isaiah 42:9

You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not admit them? "From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you." Isaiah 48:6

For a New Life

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Lord, I know that people's lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. Jeremiah 10:23

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

"But whoever takes refuge in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain." Isaiah 57:13

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13

This article was originally published by Vital and has been used with permission.