Maybe it’s the snow outside this morning, white and clean and covering, maybe it’s an innate feeling that a new year means a clean slate, maybe it’s the reminder that came in prayer this morning…His mercies are new every morning, maybe it’s Isaiah 43…“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.  For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…AND…Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the mighty waters,Who brings forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power (They shall lie down together, they shall not rise; They are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick):  “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?  I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert., or maybe it’s simply God’s mercy poured out on these blinded eyes and calloused heart today, but there’s hope and peace in my soul.  Right now, here, in this moment, I see Him.  I trust Him.  I believe He is good, and I believe He is good to me.

Lord, I know my fickle heart.  I know how quickly my gaze is brought low.  I know how easily I lose my grip on all that is right and true and good.  Thank you for drawing me back.  Thank you for being faithful when I am not.  Thank you for holding this life.  Thank you for all that You are that is ever holy, powerful, wise, gracious and good.  Lord, keep me…please.  Keep this life set apart for You.  Keep my eyes looking always for Your face.  Hold me up when I can’t stand, or won’t stand, or don’t see how to stand.  Be glorified God.  Please, somehow, be glorified in me.