God's Sorrow

5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.

Gen 6:5-6 (ESV)

When we live our lives do we ever consider what God feels? The above scripture is found just before the call of Noah to build an Ark. God has seen the evil take over in His creation and knows the only way to bring it under control again was to start a new. Today is that day for you and me; we stand at the beginning of a brand New Year looking at what the future holds and hoping for the best God has to offer. Yet our hearts and minds are full of the world and we are controlled by the flesh. As the New Year begins I place before you the instruction given by Paul to the Ephesians and all the other churches; that includes us today.

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused.18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:17-32 (NLT)

Allowing Jesus and the Holy Spirit into your life will give you the strength to make these changes stick. If you do not know Him today is the day to change that. Admit that you are a sinner, Believe that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God and that He died for you, confess with your mouth. The prayer is simple Lord I am a sinner forgive me of my sin, help me to walk worthy of your sacrifice and help me to walk in the light of your Word. Amen. Allow this New Year to be what God has planned for you. Begin to set your mind on things above and allow Him to guide you as you walk in the Light of His Word.