New Mercies, New Resolutions: Living for God’s Glory

Lamentations 3:22–24 NKJV

22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”

New Mercies, New Resolutions: Living for God’s Glory

Picture walking into an art gallery with soft lights and quiet whispers. Paintings of different sizes and styles hang on the walls, each expressing a distinct story. Suddenly, you notice a painting that seems familiar. As you get closer, you realize it represents the last twelve months of your life. The brushstrokes are vibrant in some places—moments of joy, faithfulness, and triumph shining through. But in other areas, the colors are muted, even smudged, reflecting struggles, failures, and missed opportunities. This painting isn’t perfect, but it’s deeply personal, a blend of your human frailty and God’s unwavering faithfulness.

Imagine a blank canvas being placed on an easel beside it, spotless and untouched. It's the canvas of the new year. The brushes are in your hands, and God's Spirit is beside you, ready to direct your strokes. The question is, "How will this new masterpiece unfold?"

What colors will you use? Will it be a picture that honors God, full of vibrant obedience and holiness, or will it cast shadows of missed possibilities and unrealized potential?

Lamentations 3:22–24 reminds us of a profound truth as we stand before this blank canvas.

The prophet Jeremiah wrote these words in the aftermath of a catastrophic event, but he maintained hope. He understood that every new morning is a gift of God's grace, an opportunity to start over, no matter how bad the day before was. Like Jeremiah, we are encouraged to reflect on God's previous faithfulness, accept His new mercies today, and pledge to living this year for His glory.

Let us take a moment to be honest with ourselves. Perhaps this past year was filled with joy, as evidenced by answered prayers, personal progress, and profound experiences with God. Or maybe it was a year of loss, failure, or drifting farther from God than you’d like to admit. Whatever your story, the truth remains: God’s mercies have sustained you. You’re still here. And because of His faithfulness, you have the chance to make this new year different.

Think about it: What kind of picture will your life paint this year? What will it say about your love for God, your faithfulness to His call, and your desire to grow in holiness? Will it inspire others, reflect God’s glory, and bring joy to your Heavenly Father? Will it be a painting of doubt, half-hearted attempt, or regret?

Today we stand at the threshold of a new year. Let’s resolve to embrace God’s mercies and His call to holiness. Let us rely on Him to direct our hands as we create a picture that praises Him, a masterpiece that tells the tale of a life lived to His glory. Let's enter this season with optimism, appreciation, and a fresh commitment to God's changing work in our lives.

As we reflect on the past year, we are reminded that God's faithfulness served as the foundation for everything good and enduring in our lives. His mercies have sustained us, His grace has covered our flaws, and His Spirit has been at work, molding us more and more into His image. However, before we move forward into a new year, we must first reflect.

Reflect on God’s Faithfulness

Lamentations 3:22–23 “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

Looking back on this past year, we realize that everything good and lasting in our life stems from God's faithfulness. When we look back, we can see that God's mercy kept us, even if we didn't realize it at the time. When life's challenges seemed to overwhelm us, it was His hand that held us up. When we bowed down before sin or fear, his love raised us up, giving us forgiveness and the ability to move on. Even at the height of our greatest failure or pain, God has not faltered. Lamentations 3:22-23 expresses a beautifully stated truth. picture Jeremiah standing beside the ruins of Jerusalem, mourning over the consequences of his people's disobedience. Despite the temptation to despair, he remained hopeful: "By the grace of the Lord we are not consumed, for His grace is not deceived." Every morning, they are new; Your grace is amazing." Jeremiah's refuge from national disaster and personal grief was not human effort or force, but the unchanging nature of God. God's grace is unchanging, steadfast, and life-changing, much like the dawn that emerges every morning. They accept us where we are, bearing the scars of life. Another scripture that articulates this concept is Psalm 103:10-12 'He has not treated us or punished us according to our misdeeds. Because the heavens are higher than the earth, His grace is greater for those who fear Him; as distant as the east is from the west, He has exonerated us of our sins. Remember this for a moment: God does not treat us as our sins deserve. Rather, He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. This metaphor serves as a reminder of God's boundless forgiveness. A grace that helps us endure all of life's trials while also forgiving and healing us when we fail. With the year coming to an end, let us remember not just the life-giving power of God's faithfulness, but also the depth of His forgiveness. It's all because He's good: our breath, our joy, our times of provision and protection. Recalling is more than just remembering what happened or mourning events; it's also about appreciating God's work in our lives, even if we didn't realize it at the time. We as Nazarenes have traditionally held that holiness begins with an acknowledgement of God's grace. Only by contemplation can we acknowledge that grace, where His Spirit has been drawing us closer to His holy standard while we have stood in resistance to His transforming process. Here are some questions to consider. Where did I grow Christ-like in the last year? Am I more patient, forgiving, or loving? Where have I turned away from the Spirit's call to holiness? Do I have areas in my life that I have not surrendered to God? What sins/attitudes must I repent of and surrender to God? Do I let pride, bitterness, or complacency fester? A lot of self-reflection is required, but it's difficult. Sincere contemplation, John Wesley emphasized, is what makes us vulnerable to God's sanctifying grace. Through reflection, God reveals not only His life-giving forgiveness, but also His desire to refine and cleanse us so that we can become more like Christ. Think about the example of a gardener who meticulously maintains their gardens throughout the year. They water, prune, and feed them, but the benefits are not quick. In the winter or summer, the gardener may question if he is doing much of anything. But as they look back over the year, they marvel at how the plants have grown, how the pruning produced new buds, and how their work kept the plants together at the worst moments. In a similar way when we contemplate God's supply, we find that he has been planting the seed of life since the beginning. His Spirit has been slicing through the obstacles that stand in our way, filling us with His Word and helping us through the tough times. He was working even when we couldn't see Him, making us His. As we enter into a new year, let’s not skip over this pause. We must be truly appreciative for God's goodness and grace. No reflection is designed to instill guilt or shame; rather, it is an opportunity to be transformed by God's power. God's love does more than just remind us to remember; it motivates us to act. Allow these moments to serve as a call to draw closer to Him and follow His mercy, as well as His plea for holiness. Thinking about God's mercy serves as the foundation for both our thanksgiving and perspective. But it's just the beginning. Not only does God sustain us, but He also showers us with new mercies every day. These mercies offer a new invitation to obedience and holiness. Now, let us consider how we can receive God's new mercies and live the life He has planned for us.

Psalm 103:10–12 NKJV

10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Reflecting on God's mercy reminds us of how He has led and sustained us. But contemplation is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of something new. God is faithful not only in the past, but He is faithful today and tomorrow. In Lamentations 3:23, we learn that God's mercy is "new every morning." That is how God's mercy comes to us today, regardless of what happened yesterday, good or bad. Every day, He gives us a new beginning to walk in His grace. But how do we receive these mercies? What do we do with this grace, and how do we allow it to shape our lives so that they reflect God's holiness?

Let’s explore this in our second point:

Receive God’s New Mercies

God's mercy is a daily gift. Every sunrise reminds us of God's mercy. His grace invites us to embrace each new day and begin again. This is a really profoundly hopeful reality because it guarantees that we will not be defined by yesterdays failures or successes. God's grace is not the result of our efforts, but of His unchangeable nature. Holiness, then, is not about achieving perfection in a single moment. It is allowing God's mercies to daily transform us into the likeness of Christ. God's grace enables us to throw off the shackles of sin and live a life of righteousness. The call to holiness is both a gift and a calling.

As a gift, God's grace is granted to us, giving us the opportunity to be forgiven and destined for His purposes.

As a calling, receiving His mercy, requires a response, a commitment to walk in obedience and become Christ-like.

And through His new mercies, we might become more powerful in confronting the aspects of our lives in which do not conform to His will. It does not require us to carry the baggage of guilt, shame, or unrepentant sin into the present moment. Rather, grace's mercy empowers us to let go of what hinders our progress and embrace the holy and purposeful life to which He has called us.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul captures the following concept:

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

How do we practically accept His mercies and allow them to transform us?

It begins with acknowledge your need for mercy. Every day, humble yourself admit that you know you need God's mercy. This requires an honest look at your life and a willingness to confess areas where you’ve fallen short. According to 1 John 1:9, “9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Embrace God's forgiveness. Don't allow the enemy to burden you with guilt for sins that God has already forgiven. Be grateful to Him, and pray and trusting that His grace is sufficient to cover your shortcomings.

Determine to grow in Holiness. Every day, commit to walking in obedience. That is not attempting perfection in your own strength but leaning into the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and transform you.

Holiness is a journey—a process of being made perfect in love. Because the mercy of God empowers us every day to continue on our journey with hope and trust.

Walk in the Spirit’s Power. Transformation happens as we rely on the Holy Spirit to work in us. Galatians 5:16 reminds us “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

The Spirit leads and encourages us to make decisions that prioritize holiness in our lives. This guidance empowers us to rise above sin and its temptations, allowing us to align our actions and choices with the divine will of God.

Imagine you woke every morning with a blank canvas in front of you. Next to it is a palette of vibrant colors, each expressing God's grace, mercy, and love. This new canvas is not spoiled by yesterday's mistakes. God has a new beginning for you to live a life of holiness and honors Him.

What are you going to do with God's colors? Will your brushstrokes be filled with gratitude for His grace and an attitude of following in His footsteps? Will the blank canvas remain empty, an unmet opportunity? Every day is a gift, and God's grace is sufficient to make it meaningful.

Confess and Release: Begin each day with a moment of confession, releasing past sins and failures to God. Trust in His mercy to forgive and cleanse you.

Embrace Renewal: View each morning as an opportunity for transformation. Ask God to show you how to grow in holiness that day.

Trust the Process: Understand that holiness is a journey, not a one-time achievement. Lean into God’s grace and allow His Spirit to guide you. Live Intentionally: Use the gift of each day to honor God in your thoughts, words, and actions.

The challenge is to embrace the grace of God on a daily basis and become the person He made you to be. Don't squander the gift. Take it as a thank you and allow it transform your life. Choose to run in obedience and purity, knowing that His grace is sufficient in every step.

God's grace is a crucial component of the process, but it's only one aspect. After receiving His forgiveness and grace, we are encouraged to live with intentionality. How will we honor God with the gift of each day? Let’s now consider how we can resolve to live a life that glorifies Him.

Resolve to Honor God with Holiness.

When Jeremiah declares in Lamentations 3:24, "The Lord is my portion," he demonstrated a deep faith in God. To say that God is our portion is to suggest that He is enough—our strength, joy, identity, and fulfilling all of our needs. It represents a heart that has stopped looking for temporary satisfaction and instead found rest in the goodness of God.

This trust naturally inspires holiness. If we sincerely believe that God is our portion, our actions ought to reflect that. We no longer pursue earthly pleasures or short-lived achievements, but rather focus on honoring Him in all aspects of our lives. Trusting God as our portion influences our priorities, prompting us to live intentionally and purposefully.

Holiness begins with a commitment to live in the reality of God's sufficiency and react to His favor with complete devotion.

Holiness is a life set apart for God.

Holiness is more than just avoiding sin; it is about giving oneself completely to God. In Romans 12:1 Paul paints the following scene, “1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

The concept of holiness revolves around surrender. It means stating, "Lord, every part of me—my thoughts, actions, relationships, and goals—is Yours." It requires intentionality and resolve since holiness cannot happen by chance. It is the result of a purposeful life guided by the Holy Spirit.

How can we put this into practice? Resolving to honor God with holiness requires deliberate action. Here are three ways to get started:

Seek God. Daily holiness begins with a connection with God, and it grows through prayer and Scripture. Jesus prayed in John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

God's Word is the fundamental tool that the Holy Spirit utilizes to transform us. By deciding to spend time each day in His presence, we allow Him to develop our hearts and thoughts, giving us the power to walk in holiness.

Worship and serve with reverence.

Worship is more than just an event; it is an attitude of the heart. Corporate worship brings us closer to God, and serving others demonstrates His love. Both are essential parts of the holy life.

We proclaim God's worthiness in worship, and we display His holiness to the world through service. Together, these actions align us with His purposes and reveal His character to people around us.

Offer yourself as a living sacrifice.

Living in holiness means seeing every area of our lives—body, mind, and spirit—as a gift to God. It is about asking God on a daily basis, "Lord, how can my life bring you glory today?"

This could be choosing kindness in a tough situation, being patient when things are challenging, or pursuing purity in your actions and thoughts. Each small choice contributes to a God-honoring lifestyle.

Picture your life a canvas, with each resolution serving as a brushstroke. Some strokes are strong and definitive, such as committing to daily prayer or regularly attending worship. Others are smaller details such as extending forgiveness to someone who has wronged you or speaking with kindness when it would be easier not to.

As the year goes on, these strokes combine to make a picture. When you decide to live in holiness, your life becomes a masterpiece that reflects God's grace, faithfulness, and transformative power. This is not about perfectionism, but about progress—a daily commitment to honor Him.

Practical resolutions grounded on holiness necessitate both action and trust on God's strength. Make specific resolutions.

Every day, spend purposeful time with God through Scripture and prayer.

Commit to attending worship on a regular basis and finding opportunities for serving your community.

Practice gratitude by thanking God every day for His provision and grace.

Holiness cannot be achieved alone by willpower. Trust the Holy Spirit to help you carry out your resolutions.

Evaluate your progress by regularly reflecting on how you are fulfilling your commitments. Celebrate how God has helped you grow and seek His assistance in areas where you are struggling.

Holiness is a daily choice to live for God's honor, rather than an impossible goal. As you face the blank canvas of a new year, decide to create a picture that portrays His grace, steadfastness, and call to be set apart for His purposes.

Reflecting on God's faithfulness makes us grateful. Accepting His new mercies offers us hope. Resolving to live a holy life offers us meaning. As we bring these facts together, let us explore how we might live this new year in a way that glorifies God and encourages others to seek Him.

What Next?

As we start a new year, the message in Lamentations 3 urges us to pause and reflect. God's faithfulness is unwavering; His mercies greet us each morning, and He calls us to live lives that glorify Him. This is not about striving for perfection; rather, it is about leaning into His grace and allowing Him to transform us on a daily basis. Think over the past year. Can you recall times when God helped you get through difficult situations? Can you remember all of His blessings, great and small? Perhaps His mercy lifted you after a failure, or His strength sustained you when you didn't know how you'd get through it. These instances remind us of God's faithfulness, even when we fall short. Every morning, God gives us a fresh start—a blank canvas. No matter what happened yesterday or how imperfect the past year has been, God's mercy meets us exactly where we are. He doesn't only give us another chance; He gives us hope for change. Today, you can take a step forward knowing that His grace is sufficient for whatever is ahead. Let this be the year in which your life reflects God's work in you. Make deliberate decisions to seek Him daily, to worship Him, and to live in a way that brings Him glory. Holiness isn't about rules or strict discipline; it's about giving your life back to God in thankfulness for everything He's done. It says, "Lord, I'm Yours." So, what does this mean for you as you start the new year? I dare you to take three basic steps: Reflect: Look back and thank God for His faithfulness. Receive: Accept His mercy today as a source of hope and restoration. Resolve: List specific ways you desire to live for Him this year. Ask yourself: Where do I need God's assistance to grow? How can I follow His Spirit into a life of holiness? Consider these questions during your time with God this week. Pray about them, jot down your ideas, and let Him direct you. Imagine the story your life could tell by the end of the year. Imagine a painting with brushstrokes of faith, moments of love, and steps of obedience. That is the life God calls you to—one formed by His grace and distinguished by His holiness. Not perfect, but beautiful in its progression and purpose. Philippians 1:6 promises

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

God is not finished with you. He is still at work in your life, shaping, restoring, and altering you. Trust Him to guide you into something new and beautiful this year.