A New Beginning

“Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity … He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy … You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”—Micah 7:18–19 NASB

Rosh Hashanah begins today at sundown. This, the Jewish New Year, starts a special ten-day period that ends on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). God commanded that during this special time, His people were to search their souls and seek to make things right with Him and others (Leviticus 23).

On this day, many Jewish households carry on the tradition of tashlich (to cast off). As Sam Nadler describes, this “involves going to the seashore or the bank of a river.” There, “participants toss breadcrumbs into the water as prayers are said regarding God’s forgiveness.”

It is a reminder that God promises to forgive us. In fact, He casts our sins “into the depths of the sea.”

There was a reason God commanded that Rosh Hashanah be one of His feasts to be celebrated (Leviticus 23:2). He knows that all of us sin. We all need a new beginning.

Today, seek to cleanse your heart. Are there things that block the flow of His blessings for you? Are you troubled by anxiety or worry? Have you allowed sin or unhealthy habits to dominate your life?

Be honest with God. Lay your burdens at His feet. He is ready to forgive you (1 John 1:9). He wants to bless you in new ways. Experience the joy of forgiveness and being clean. Then start celebrating. Let this be a day of new beginnings!

Reflection Question:Compose a prayer asking for God’s forgiveness for specific sins.