Micah Tyler recently released a song called, “New Today,” which centers around the concept that God’s mercies are new every day. Indeed, our God is a God of mercy, and the Word is filled with countless illustrations of this attribute of God:
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.” Micah 7:18
“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” Lamentations 3:22-23
But how regularly do we actually believe in, rely on, and walk out of this attribute of God? How often do we dwell in his faithful mercy? How often do we wake up and thank him for a new day full of new chances and fresh starts?
Too many times we are plagued by our past mistakes, whether those from our childhood, our early twenties, or our yesterday. We repent, ask God for his forgiveness (maybe even beg for it), and proceed to “try harder” not to mess up again. But is this really the life God has for us? I believe there is more:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have LIFE, and have it to the FULL.” John 10:10 (emphasis added)
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:14-15
When Jesus came and died for us, he did not intend for us to live a half-life, shackled by the shame and regret of every minuscule or major mistake we have ever made. Jesus came so that we could have life to the full. A life lived to the full consists of joy, peace, hope, love, and a realization of the righteousness we have before God through Christ Jesus.
However, our inability to truly accept Jesus’ forgiveness and to walk in his mercy often prevents us from enjoying this full life Jesus has for us. If we want to experience all that Jesus has to offer us, we have to start believing and trusting his character and his promises to us.
So the next time you feel the weight of your mistakes--the guilt and shame and regret—remember that God’s Word clearly states he delights to show mercy to his children, he wants us to live a full life, and he does not want us to live in fear.
Then allow these truths to drive you to prayer, not only to repent and ask for forgiveness, but also to accept forgiveness and be set free.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
As Micah Tyler would say:
“[I’ll] tell my heart, 'cause sometimes I forget
That Your mercies are new today...
I can rest on Your shoulders;
There is grace to start over.
Your mercies are new today.”