Sometimes, we can go through the motions of serving, working, and navigating life's demands, but we become stuck and mundane. You may be going through a season of feeling like you want a fresh start and want to leave your past in the rearview mirror. Your fresh start may be wanting to start a new career, have a new relationship, or focus on having a stronger self-care system. Developing new beginnings as we evolve and mature as people is healthy. Maturing in Christ represents a new life, hope, and opportunities to walk in new freedom. Whatever fresh start you seek, the good news is that God is with you and provides hope, encouragement, and God's Word to motivate you. If you're feeling stagnant, here are six uplifting scriptures to encourage you as you seek a fresh start:
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1. Isaiah 43:18-19
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV- “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God wants to do new and fresh things in our lives, but we often have to pause to look for it. When we're busy and on the move, we get so focused on our routines that we live in survival mode and have the mindset that our current circumstances will always be the same. We often stop dreaming and envision that a new idea or opportunity can take place. Life's monotony can keep us stuck and not wanting to put the energy or time into pursuing a new path or resurrecting an older desire. God is not stagnant and is always moving in our lives. We don't want to limit God based on what He has done in the past or how He showed up in a different season. Each new season brings an opportunity for God to use us creatively. Today, I invite you to take the lessons from the past and receive God's new grace and mercies, which are available daily. Pray to God for courage and boldness to keep moving forward, and be assured that God will equip you with what you need to continue to fulfill His purposes.
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2. Philippians 3:13-14
Philippians 3:13-14 NIV- “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
As mentioned in Philippians 3:13-14, God wants us not to look back but to continue to move forward in what God has for us. We often focus on our mistakes and what we didn't do right when we dwell on our past. But we know that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) and that our sins are forgiven by Jesus dying on the cross. Our ultimate goal is to continue to be more like Jesus each day. When we fall short, we ask for forgiveness and continue to move forward. When God gives us a new goal or desire in our hearts, He will provide all we need to accomplish it. Today, I encourage you not to dwell on the past and be encouraged that God will order your steps and help you navigate a new start with joy, hope, and courage.
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3. 2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
When we accept Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us we are new creatures in Him. The foundation of our relationship with Christ is all about having a fresh start, redemption, and renewal. As we mature in Christ, we continually want to grow in Him and leave our past before Christ behind us. Our past reminds us of God's covering and faithfulness in our lives. When we fall short and make mistakes, the good news is that we serve a God who will not abandon us. There is always another opportunity to start again, revitalize and restore. If you’re having doubt, anxiety, or frustration about starting over, be assured that God will continue encouraging and cheering you on as you take your next step. If you’re unsure where the new path will lead, God will lovingly lead, guide, and direct you. Today, I invite you to receive a new life and hope that God promises you in His Word and as His child.
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4. Lamentations 3:22-23
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV- “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
God promises that His mercies are new every morning and that He gladly provides us with fresh starts each day. We must receive the new mercies God gives freely as encouragement and motivation to approach a fresh start with optimism. Allow God's grace and mercy to cover, strengthen, and guide you. Despite our imperfections, past mistakes, and challenges, God welcomes us to try a fresh start with our lives, plans, and dreams. If we try something new and it doesn't succeed, we can continue to trust that God will lead us to the next opportunity He has for us. Lamentations 3:22-23 reassures us that God’s love is endless, His mercies never cease, and His faithfulness continues. As we pursue new beginnings, God promises to provide us with an infinite supply of mercy, grace, love, provision, and devotion. During new seasons and fresh starts, God will give you everything you need as you move forward.
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5. Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God plans to prosper and not to harm us. When we desire a fresh start, we don't have to worry about how it will turn out because God assures us that He will be with us and has our best interests at heart. As we seek God's face and move forward with new opportunities, God will give us wisdom, boldness, and courage. Our future is promising, and God will continue to have us use our gifts for His glory and to serve others. Today, I encourage you to move forward in faith with God's plans for you, being reassured that God will equip and empower you as you try something new. Just like a GPS that will reroute you when you get lost, God will always steer you back to the right path. Today, I encourage you to go along for the adventurous ride with God as you try something new and pursue your God-given dreams.
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6. Ephesians 4:22-24
Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV- “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
When we want a fresh start, it's easy to be skeptical and unsure about how everything will turn out, but God will help our attitudes and perspectives be more positive and uplifting. With each new season, opportunity, and unfamiliar path, God will show us the way and lead us with wisdom. God can turn our cynicism into courage, hesitation into hope, and anxiety into ambition. God can transform our attitudes as we pursue a fresh start.
With God, a fresh start is possible, and He will give you the desires of your heart as you let Him lead. Continue to be open to new and creative ways that God can use you to glorify Him and use your gifts. God won’t leave you astray and will always be with you as you pursue a fresh start.
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Originally published Tuesday, 25 March 2025.
