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 have 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:
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 significance 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, and satisfaction in life
* * * * * * * * * *
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 my motivations behind 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!
Image credits: www.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com (2).
(Revised and reblogged from 1-4-2016, while we enjoy one more day of out-of-town family.)
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From the Inside Out 
I absolutely love this concept of a new soul in the new year, Nancy. That’s exactly what we all need, and it’s something only God can do. May we repent and turn our will completely over to His. Happy New Year!
Amen, Martha, to continual repentance and renewal. If these are uppermost in our practice, 2026 is bound to be a glorious year of growing relationship with our heavenly Father!
May you have a blessed new year!
Thank you, Debi Sue. I pray the same for you!
Amen, and Happy New Year, Nancy!
And “soul” too.
Thank you, Mitch. I look forward to further growing of my soul with God in 2026, continually refreshed and renewed! Happy new soul to you also! (I know you’re always aimed at that objective.)
Love your prayer! Amen! Amen! Amen! Happy New Year, Nancy! 🙂
I believe even our prayers are inspired by God. I’m so glad this one was meaningful to you, Nancy. Happy New Soul to you, my friend!
Happy, happy new year year. May the Lord continue to richly you
Thank you, Brenda. I already feel so blessed that even if God ended his generosity to me, I’d have no room to complain, Happy New Year to you also, my friend!
Amen 🙏🏽
Resolutions are nice, but getting out of the way so God can do a good work in us is even better. I love your combination of verses that point to the way God “creates a new soul” in us.
I’m so glad you found the scripture references meaningful, Linda. Praise God that our prayer, “Create a new soul within us” is one he surely delights to answer!
Every day is a new beginning – a fresh start. Let us send our prayers of gratitude to the One who cleansed our souls and made us new again. Thank you, Jesus, for another day. Have a splendid new year with hope and promise.
Thank you, Cathy. What a delight to wake each morning knowing we have eternal hope (1 Peter 1:3-4), we are surrounded with God’s presence (Psalm 139:7-10), he is trustworthy to keep his promises to us (Psalm 145:13) and MORE!
So true ❤️
Wishing you blessings in the New Year 2026!
Thank you LInda. I pray a blessed 2026 for you also!
Blessing on your new year and may we all be transformed and renewed once again. You do write such lovely prayers….
Thank you, Jean. Praise God for his nurture and power to accomplish continual transformation and renewal in our souls!
[…] A New Soul […]
Thank you Eileen!
This is true and so necessary! Happy New Year!
And happy new year to you also Tayrina! I’m so glad this post rang true for you. As always, I have to praise God for his inspiration and guidance!
Thx for blessing us once again. Happy New Year, Nancy.
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You’re welcome, Diane! Praise God you find blessing here–that warms my heart. May you also experience much joy in the new year!
A soul refreshing meditation, Nancy. May 2026 be filled with blessing for you and yours!
Thank you, Dora! It blesses me to know you found refreshment here. I pray you also experience much joy in the new year!
What a great way to begin the new year than with a reminder that our souls disintegrate without taking care of them. I love the comment that God isn’t only interested in the details of our lives but is lovingly engineering them. Thank you for this.
You’re welcome, Dayle. Isn’t it amazing that the God of the universe is that attentive, engineering events for our provision, guidance, protection, and benefit? Such truth boggles my mind!
Nancy,
A forgiven soul sleeps sweet at night and walks with hope daily. I pray you have a great year.
In Christ,
Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Wonderful, uplifting truth you share, Gary! You are so right. And thank you for your prayer. May you and your family be blessed in 2026 as well!
A good reminder that just as nature abhors a vacuum, Satan adores a vacuum, meaning that a heart empty of God’s influence is in danger of being filled with the negative influences of Satan. We must diligently fill our minds with the Word of God and be in constant communication (prayer) with our Lord. Blessings to you and Steve and your family for a wonderful 2026.
Insightful truth you share about what happens when we allow a vacuum of godlessness in our hearts. I’m so thankful for the guidance and encouragement of God’s Word, as well as the peace and strength that come from his continual presence. As I find myself saying numerous times, I can’t imagine navigating through life without him. I know you feel the same, Cheri!
A new soul definitely sounds good, Nancy. I have also been praying that God will purify my heart and motivations. I read recently (was it on here? I don’t remember) that even right action falls short if it’s not carried out with the right motivation. I’ve definitely been second guessing some of my motives since then.
No, I’m quite sure you didn’t read here that statement about motives. But it certainly is true. Doing the right thing for the right reasons is a struggle for most of us, if not all. I appreciate what author and pastor, Tim Keller wrote: “If you wait until your motives are pure and unselfish before you do something, you will wait forever (The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism). So we don’t let wrong reasons impede right action. BUT! Our heavenly Father offers this glorious hope: Because we are covered by Jesus’ righteousness, even our imperfect efforts to please God are acceptable. And as we grow in dependence upon Christ, he’ll purify our hearts more and more (Isaiah 61:10; Titus 2:11-14). (These last five or so sentences are from a post I wrote in 2023. Should you be interested in reading more, here’s a link: Striving Too Hard for All the Wrong Reasons.)
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing, Nancy!
You’re welcome, Stacey!
Amen. Nancy, I appreciate the journey through this devotional post. Indeed, self-reflection followed by repentance offers a welcome path to meet Jesus. His light of grace is always waiting to refresh another saint.
Praise God for his forgiveness, grace and restoration! You are so right: “His light of grace is always waiting to refresh another saint.” Hallelujah!
Motivating verses and encouragement for this new year. I do hope your year is off to a wonderful beginning, surely as you lean into Him for renewed fresh thoughts and actions!!❤️
Thank you, Alicia. You’ve phrased a worthy prayer-starter for 2026 and beyond: Help me lean into You, Father, for renewed fresh thoughts and actions, pleasing to You and fruitful for You. AMEN!