EPIPHANY II

January 15, 2023

“Resolved . . . Restored . . . Refreshed”

Create in me a clean heart, O God,      

and put a new and right spirit within me.Do not cast me away from your presence,     

and do not take your holy spirit from me.Restore to me the joy of your salvation,     

and sustain in me a willing spirit.      Psalm 51:10-12       

Does it strike you as a little surprising that it’s already the middle of January?  Just a couple of weeks ago, New Year’s resolutions were the featured subject of newspaper articles and TV talk shows.  Some folks found this practice pointless and borderline ridiculous, where others approached the concept of resolutions thoughtfully and intentionally.  Those who shared their resolutions expressed a wide variety of intentions, from very personal self-improvement to being part of activities for the common good.  I’d like to hear updates after a few months to learn if they’ve made progress or possibly modified their goals.  For most people, following through on resolutions is also a learning process.     

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions has been around for a very long time, and I’ll admit I don’t know the origination of the practice.  At the beginning of a new year, many of us feel that it’s an opportunity to start over, or to succeed at something that’s been a struggle.  It can be challenging to truly make a resolution, which is defined as an earnest decision, to be determined to do something.  It’s not really a “To Do” list that involves cleaning projects, catching up on tasks that have been postponed, and the incomplete projects waiting for attention.    

A number of words connect and expand on the concept of resolutions, such as repent, which is to feel sorrow for sin and to change one’s life for the better.  Restore is to bring to life, to begin or take up again.  Refresh means to provide new vigor and energy, to stimulate.  As the psalmist prays that God will recreate his heart, restore joy, and sustain his spirit, we hear a prayer of trust and confidence that God will respond in love and understanding.  The Psalms are filled with prayers in which God is asked to help us change our sinful nature and to re-create a new and willing spirit that will keep us in his presence.      

This, then, is what we could consider to be the difference between a resolution and the experience of being renewed and restored.  The first is a human plan, which may or may not succeed.  The second is a gift from our heavenly father, and he gives us not only understanding, love and forgiveness, but also his creative power, which restores and renews our brokenness.  The abundance of God’s grace and love knows no limits, and we are called to turn to him at all times and in all circumstances.  We are, of course, further called to share this amazing gift of recreation, restoration, and the sustaining love of the Father with all who are in need of this Good News.  

Refreshed for a new year,

Your friend in Christ,   

Mary Rogers