Isn't it wonderful to be forgiven of our sins? Ananias told Saul, "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins...". As Christians, each time we confess our sins, God forgives them and they are removed forever. The apostle John proclaims this in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
I remember in school how it felt to begin a new year or term. Stress is minimal because it's a new beginning, an opportunity to improve, to become more diligent in study, etc.
Similarly, when we repent and confess sin, we begin life anew with a clean slate. The forgiveness of God lifts the burden of sin and gives us new hope. The consequences of past sins still exists, but God's forgiveness provides the strength we need to move forward.
The year 2007 is history. It is good to reflect on the past as a guide to improving in the future. However, it is sometimes easy to remain in the past, remembering old sins, long ago repented of and forgiven. Why not plan to put the past behind in the new year and make plans to be a better servant of God in 2008?
We've all been given a challenge to read the entire Bible in 2008, and I hope all of us will set our minds to do that. We don't have to wait until anew year to "clean the slate". God will do that for us each time we ask.
In the coming year, my hope and prayer for all of you is for the peace, love, and joy found only in Christ Jesus. May God richly bless each of you!