(“The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year.
It is that we should have a new soul.”
G.K. Chesterton)
A new soul. I like the sound of that, don’t you? In my imagination I see a freshening of my attitudes, improved motivations, and increased spiritual strength.
But where do I start in order to achieve a new soul?
No doubt, a new soul begins with repentance—expressing to God my sorrow for wrongdoing and availing myself of his help to change. Just as King David prayed, I can ask God to:
(“Create in me a pure heart, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
–Psalm 51:10, emphasis added)
Notice that David asked God to create in him a pure heart. David didn’t promise to clean up his act on his own. Only God could make David’s heart new and pure. The same goes for me. All I can do is submit myself to his transforming power and follow his lead.
That pure heart David asked for is a clear conscience. And with the release from guilt came a rush of joy and the restoration of sweet peace with God. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
“No one is happier than the one who has repented of wrong” (Max Lucado).
A new soul involves renewal of the mind.
Or, put another way:
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you into a new person
by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know God’s will for you,
which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:2, NLT (emphasis added)
Once the negative influences of sin have been removed, I need to fill my mind with excellent, praiseworthy contemplations.
Why waste my thoughts and allow them to wander on worthless topics or circle around pointless worries? Instead, I want to set my mind on the positive, especially on God himself.
A renewed mind is not problem-focused; it is Person-focused.
A new soul requires day-by-day rejuvenation.
“We do not lose heart.
Though outwardly we are wasting away,
yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
–2 Corinthians 4:16 (emphasis added)
God has established certain laws by which our world is governed. Gravity is one example. The law of entropy is another. It states that all elements of the universe tend to disintegrate over time. Plants and animals die and decay, iron rusts, rock erodes.
Our souls tend to disintegrate over time, too, when left unattended:
- Worry and fear wreak havoc.
- Self-centeredness creates an appetite for entertainment, possessions, and recognition—appetites that are never satiated.
- Foolishness reigns because wisdom is ignored.
- Rationalizations replace honest evaluations.
- Uncontrolled behaviors harm relationships.
But when we avail ourselves of God’s influence day-by-day and step-by-step, the law of entropy has no effect on our souls.
The Amplified Version expands the meaning:
“The steps of a [good and righteous] man
are directed and established by the Lord,
And He delights in his way
[and blesses his path].”
–Psalm 37:23, AMP
Consider the import of these key words:
Steps – Even spiritual achievement rarely happens in an instant. God values slow and steady progress.
Directed – He isn’t just interested in the details of our lives; he’s lovingly engineering them.
Established – There is always design and strategy in God’s endeavors, even if we only occasionally perceive it.
Delights – God is pleased with those who follow the path he has thoughtfully and wisely set.
Blesses – God lovingly bestows such gifts as peace, joy, hope, satisfaction, and purposeful living.
* * * * * * * * * *
Holy Creator of new souls, as I stand on the brink of a new year, I do confess my failings to you. Purify my heart; show me how to refine even the motivations behind my right actions. Thank you for your gentle nudges to turn my mind toward you, and your loving attention upon every step of my life. I praise you that continual contact with you results in a soul–a life–that is continually refreshed and made new!
(Art & Photo credits: www.pinterest.com; http://www.mybible.com; http://www.verseoftheday.com; http://www.dailylifeverse.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Thank you Nancy for a renewed 2016. I will try with the help of God to remember all you posted.
Oh, Laura, your tender heart blesses me and I know it blesses God, too!
Nancy, your words ring so true. I concur with David’s words, asking God to create a clean heart in me. I try on my own so many times to do more or be more or whatever…It’s the power of God that does it.
I liked the line, ‘a renewed mind is not problem-focused, it is Person-focused.’
Thank you, Nancy.
You are so welcome, Jody. Together we can learn-by-doing the art of submission, which surely begins with our attention firmly fixed on God. Lord, help me become more attentive day by day!
Dearest Nancy, thank you for this gentle reminder to chase a new soul this year. What a worthy pursuit. Be blessed as you continue to have your heart and mind renewed, looking more and more like Jesus!
Thank you, Heidi, for your encouragement. It IS a blessing, isn’t it, to experience renewal of heart and mind? And to think: we ARE being transformed into the likeness of Jesus–“with ever-increasing glory” (2 Cor. 3:18)! How magnificent is THAT?!
How wonderful it is that we who know Christ do not have to wait for a New Year to start anew. As you said…”continual contact with you results in a soul–a life–that is continually refreshed and made new!” Thanks for this post…full of glorious gems!
Indeed — his mercies are new every morning. Hallelujah!
Solid stuff, Nancy! Love the Chesterton quote (love anything by G.K.) and the arc of your post–definitely where our heads and hearts should be at the start of a new year!
Thank you, Mitch. Your kind words are much appreciated. Chesterton was such a genius, and so prolific. I marvel at his insight and artful expression! No wonder he’s one of your favorites.
Great breakdown in the steps found in the Psalms. and love the photos too. I am not sure I want a new soul. Kinda like my original one. LOL. I think when we are open to God’s formation within us, he keeps peeling off the layers of crude and ego and messiness slowly that will someday reveal the shiny clean soul within us all. I do like the day by day rejuvenation concept. you got me thinking tonight…
That’s a great image, Jean–God peeling off the layers to reveal the shiny clean soul within us all. Reminds me of 2 Corinthians 3:18 where Paul talked about “being transformed…from one glory to another” (2 Cor. 3:18). Your visual helps make Paul’s abstract idea more concrete!