Scripture reading: Psalm 103:1–14

If Only . .

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed
away; behold, the new has come. (II Corinthians 5:17)

Now that I’m old and fairly wise
And see my past with different eyes,
I sometimes wonder what I’d do
If I could live my life anew.
If only I could start again
But this time by the Master’s plan,
I wonder what my world would be
If a new start were given me.
If I could just turn back the clock
To when my ship was still in dock
Before it sailed and set its course . . .
If only . . . O the deep remorse.
If I could go again to school
Back when I broke most every rule
And remake choices I regret . . .
The damage done is with me yet.
But now I’m older, and I’m stuck
Deep in my self-inflicted muck.
To hope for change at this late date
Seems cruel. So I’ll accept my fate.
And then a Voice spoke to my heart:
“You can have a brand new start!
Confess your sin and trust in Me,
A new creation you will be!”
“The Spirit, water and the blood
Will triumph like a mighty flood,
And from the past you’ll be set free
To find your true identity.”
“Although the past can’t be erased
Its pull on you can be replaced
By God’s great power to help you cope
So that your future’s bright with hope.”
Now that I’m old and fairly wise
And see ahead with different eyes,
I sometimes wonder what I’ll be
For God’s own Spirit lives in me!

Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.
—Dorothy, in The Wizard of Oz, by I. Frank Baum

point to ponder • In this world it is never too late to have a new beginning.

prayer focus • Someone who is a slave to their past.