A Clean Slate

A new year is like a crisp, clean, white piece of paper. It has potential. It has hope. It has promise. Anything can happen. And unlike birthdays when we look back in despair, on New Year’s Day we look forward in anticipation.


I gaze at that crisp white page dreaming about all it can be and wondering what it will be. Will I keep the resolutions I start? Will I fall? Will I get back up? Will this be the year my struggles cease? Will I be tempted less because my foundation is firmer? I hope so. The possibility exists.

What about you? What goals do you hope to achieve? Where do your dreams take you?

Typically at least one New Year’s resolution revolves around health. Maybe this is the year you vow to get up at 3:30 a.m. and head to the gym for two hours before work every morning (have fun). Or maybe you swear to never eat sugar again (extremely difficult). Perhaps your oath is to only eat 900 calories per day (I’m hungry already). While none of these are completely unreasonable, major changes to your routine spell “doom.” More than likely, by March 1st you’ll write “failed” across your resolution - and you’ll be tempted to write “failure” across your forehead.

Before falling into the trap of setting an unachievable goal, seek God’s face. Evaluate your thought patterns and eating habits. Ask God what lies/excuses/justifications/validations you believe. What are you telling yourself to justify eating improperly? Remember, if we use food for any motive other than what God intended, we are abusing it. And, ultimately, we are abusing God’s temple. Food’s primary purpose is fuel for our bodies.

Additionally, if we allow thoughts about food to consume us, it is an idol.

Confess your sin. Replace the lies you believe with truth.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Gal. 5:1)

“I am the bread of life.” (John 6:48)

“You shall have no other Gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)

Let God’s truth wrap itself around you. Let it soak in and take hold. A new year, a fresh piece of paper, a cleansed soul.

Happy New Year!