Reset: Reconnecting with God in the New Year

Scripture

Psalm 51:10–12 CSB

God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.

Illustration

Imagine a smartphone that has been overburdened with countless applications, files, and running programs.

The device starts to slow down, glitch, and lose its functionality.

The solution?

A simple reset!

By performing a reset, the phone is returned to its original state and it becomes renewed, faster, and ready to perform at its best again.

In the same way, we need to hit the reset button in our spiritual lives, reconnecting with God to experience His renewal and restoration.

Application

In our text for consideration, the Psalmist David cried out to God, seeking forgiveness and restoration.

He longed for a pure heart and a renewed spirit.

As we approach the communion table today, let us follow in David's footsteps, acknowledging our need for a reset.

Let us come before the Lord with repentant hearts, laying down our burdens, sins, and regrets.

In doing so, we allow God's cleansing power to wash over us, creating in us a new heart and a renewed spirit.

Brothers and sisters, remember this: God is the God of new beginnings!

The word of God says in Isaiah 43:18-19

Isaiah 43:18–19 CSB

“Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

Context

This text reminds us to forget the former things, not to dwell on the past.

Why? Because our God is doing a new thing!

He is making a way in the wilderness and bringing streams in the wasteland.

As we partake in communion today, let us enter the new year with a sense of hope and anticipation.

Let us open our hearts to perceive the new and mighty work God is doing in our lives and in the world around us.

Application

In this moment of communion, we are reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus.

His body broken and His blood shed for our sins.

The communion table becomes the ultimate reset button for our spiritual lives.

It is a sacred moment of remembrance, repentance, and renewal.

Through communion, we reconnect with God in a profound way, experiencing His forgiveness, His love, and His grace.

Application

It's time for a spiritual reset, my brothers and sisters!

It's time to reconnect with the Almighty God who loves us unconditionally.

It's time to lay aside the weights and sins that have held us captive, and step into a new year filled with hope, purpose, and divine renewal!

We serve a God who makes streams flow in the wilderness, who brings life and provision where there was barrenness.

He is doing a new thing, and He wants to do it within us!

As we partake in this communion today, let the power of the blood of Jesus wash over you!

Let His body broken for you bring healing, restoration, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Yes, you might have made mistakes, you might have stumbled and fallen, but there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus.

He is extending His hand, ready to lift you up, forgive you, and empower you to walk in the fullness of what He has called you to be.

Church, let this be the year we hit that reset button with boldness and conviction!

No longer will we allow the distractions of this world, the guilt of our past, or the enemy's lies to hold us back.

We stand firm in our identity as children of the Most High God, fully equipped with His power and anointing.

We are chosen, we are redeemed, we are forgiven, and we are called to shine His light!

Oh, but the journey doesn't end at this communion table.

No, it's just the beginning!

We carry the presence of the living God within us.

So, let us go forth, knowing that we are agents of transformation.

Let love and kindness flow from us, touching the lives of those around us.

Let our actions speak of a renewed spirit, a joyful heart, and a steadfast faith.

Closing

As I close, embrace this reset with all your might!

Align your thoughts, your desires, and your will with the purposes of God.

Listen to His voice, seek His guidance, and trust in His plans for your life.

As this year comes to a close, know that you are stepping into a new chapter, a chapter filled with breakthrough, growth, and immeasurable blessings.

So, I declare over each one of you today a divine reset, a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and an undeniable encounter with the presence of God.

It's time for us to get up, and walk in the fullness of who we are created to be.

Let us go from this place, ready to reset our lives, our families, our communities, and our world with the power of the Gospel.

It's time for restoration!

It's time for revival!

Let the joy of the Lord fill your heart as we enter into this new year with anticipation and excitement.

May His love overflow in every area of your life.

Let our worship rise like a mighty wave, as we give glory, honor, and praise to our King!